Economics is concerned with understanding and solving problems such as resource allocation, the determination of (relative) prices, income distribution, the business cycle, unemployment, inflation, pollution, crime, taxes, and many more. Economists seek to understand the institutional factors and incentives that lead to good or bad economic outcomes.

The study of economics strengthens the mind and aids in developing reasoning skills needed in high-level occupations. The Department of Economics and Finance offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with a Pre-Law emphasis.

Rewarding Careers: Economics degree holders go on to exciting careers as corporate executives, commercial and investment bankers, brokers, professional money managers, commodity traders, small business entrepreneurs, journalists and authors, government officials, and many more.

Preparation for Graduate or Professional School: Training in economics provides an excellent foundation for further study. Many students enrolled in the nation’s most prestigious law schools and graduate business programs selected economics as their undergraduate major. Also, the economics degree is viewed favorably by graduate school admissions committees in various disciplines including finance, political science, history, anthropology, statistics, public policy and urban studies.

Pre-Law: Entrance into law school requires the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Economics majors have higher LSAT scores than other majors, preparing students for LSAT success. Also, lawyers who majored in economics tend to earn higher salaries than those who majored in a different subject. Economic thinking requires logic and reasoning, the tools necessary to succeed in law.

Intellectual Stimulation: The study of economics can transform how you look at real world issues such as air pollution and global warming, illegal drugs, state-sponsored gambling, cheating in college athletics, software piracy, traffic congestion, trade and global outsourcing, the rising cost of health care, price-fixing, the minimum wage, or agricultural subsidies—just to name a few.