Choose a Career of Impact in Economics
You're curious about society’s big challenges. You seek to understand why people make the choices they make. That's how great economists think about the world around them—and how they help find solutions to complex problems. With a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, you’ll be prepared to make situations better using the tools of economics.
In this program, you'll learn why economics is often described as the science of choice. You'll learn the “hows and whys” of decisions that governments, financial firms, and international organizations make about the economy. By the time you graduate, what you've learned about making critical decisions will set you apart as an economist.
Why Major in Economics at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â?
Economists who can solve complex problems are in high demand. As an economics major, you'll be in one of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's most versatile disciplines. Through your classes and coursework, you'll gain a wide range of tools for tackling big challenges.
You will be assigned a faculty member who will be your advisor and will guide you through the BA in Economics program. Because economics touches other fields like business and politics, you can learn across disciplines as well. You can take advantage of courses from the Eberly College of Business, the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, and the Department of Political Science.
Many economics students pursue a double major or minor. These additional areas of study can make you more marketable to employers or stand out as a strong candidate for graduate degree programs.
What You’ll Learn
Led by our highly skilled faculty, you will learn that behind budgets and forecasts, there is always a problem that needs to be solved.
Economics is more than just numbers. Each generation must take on big issues with leadership and guidance. When you graduate with an economics degree, you’ll have the skills to help solve those problems.
Imagine Your Future
The world needs highly skilled economists who can work to improve global living conditions and help people make more informed, data-driven decisions. Good policy leads to a better living experience—better food, health care, and security.
A career in economics gives you opportunities for a job anywhere in the country. Economists are in high demand within the business, banking, nonprofit, and government sectors.
In addition, economist jobs pay very well. A showed that graduates with an economics degree can get a high-paying job. More than 10 percent of the top 125 highest-paying jobs that required a bachelor’s degree were jobs that required a background in economics.
Many ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â graduates double major or earn a minor in economics because it boosts marketability to employers.
Related Careers
- Actuary
- Budget analyst
- Credit analyst
- Data analyst
- Financial analyst
- Financial manager
- Lawyer
- Market research analyst
- Operations research analyst
- Political scientist
- Public policy analyst
- Statistician
- Survey researcher
Economist
Median salary, 2023
Jobs in 2023
10-year job outlook
job growth (as fast as average)
Financial Analyst
Median salary, 2023
Jobs in 2023
10-year Job Growth
Much faster than average
Classes and Requirements
As an economics major at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, you’ll learn the principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will gain a firm grasp on economic theory and policy.
Once you complete the core curriculum, you will pick electives based on your interests and goals. Some of the topics you could study include:
- Environmental economics
- International finance
- International trade
- Labor economics
- Managerial economics
- Monetary economics
- Public finance
- Health economics
- Sports economics
You can choose to take the Economics Honors track, which offers the econometrics course series to help you master research and analytic skills. By graduating with honors, you’ll stand out from others in the job market.
Economics is a complex major, with resources and help available when you need it. Your professors are here to support you, and, with your fellow students, you will graduate with the tools to change society.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Hailey Fisher ’19, Economics, Political Science
The faculty at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â is second to none. With their help, I was able to craft a story filled with experiences on and off campus that jump-started and maintained my career.
Abigail Redlich ’21, Economics
I think choosing to be an economics major was really beneficial for me because every course taught me to think critically and analytically.
Anthony Maticic ’19, Accounting, Economics
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's student-centric atmosphere and faculty went above and beyond to provide professional development and leadership opportunities that anyone could participate in.
Vincent Hanig ’16, Economics
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â gave me the opportunity to be involved in many different clubs and organizations, taking on leadership positions and learning skills that translated to the workforce.
James Dalecki ’10, Economics
Studying economics at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â prepared me to be successful in my career by teaching me to think critically when making key decisions.
Research Opportunities for Students
As a student in the BA in Economics program, you can be a part of research efforts and projects in economics. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with other students and with your professors, using what you’ve learned in the econometrics courses.
Economics students have won recognition for their work and scholarship in a variety of forums and competitions:
- Over the past five years, numerous economics students participated in the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Scholars Forum, the Pennsylvania Sports Business Annual Conference, and the Pennsylvania Economic Association Annual Conference.
- ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â economics students won first place in the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Best Undergraduate Paper contests at the PEA conference. Their econometric research papers also have been published in the Pennsylvania Economic Review.
- Thirteen economics majors won Dean’s Award and Best Presentation recognition at the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Scholars Forums.
- Two economics majors were named co-recipients of the Pennsylvania Sports Business Conference Research Award in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2024 competitions.
- Beginning with the inaugural year (2022), an economics major has been selected each year as one of two Justice Research Fellows at the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Administration and Leadership Studies Research and Training Center.
- Three economics majors were invited to present their original research posters to legislators and lawmakers in Harrisburg as part of the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol (URC-PA) 2023 and 2024 events.
Economics Minor
Economists and those with an economics background are in high demand in the workforce. By earning a minor in economics, you’ll add a marketable skill that industries like banking and government seek out in their employees.
If you want to pursue a graduate degree, economics training will be valuable in your education in public policy, the law, and business.
Full Academic Catalog Listing for Minor
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Economics Honors Program
As an economics major, you can build additional research and analytical skills through the Economics Honors Track. One way you can do this is through the econometrics course series. Your accomplishments in these courses will help you stand out in a competitive job market. You can also study economics as a student in the Robert E. Cook Honors College at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â.
Full Academic Catalog Listing for Honors Program
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Student Organizations for Economics Majors
When you join the Economics Club, you'll have opportunities to network with other students, alumni, and experts working in the field. All students at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â are eligible for membership.
Omicron Delta Epsilon
As an economics major, you may be able to join Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society established in 1915 to recognize the scholastic achievements of undergraduates in economics. The Alpha-Gamma Chapter at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â was organized in 1975 and admits a small number of students each semester. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have completed 12 credits in economics with a 3.0 GPA.
Path to Graduate and Professional Degrees
As a graduate of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's BA in Economics program, you can pursue an advanced degree in many disciplines. The following are common degrees:
- JD
- MS in Applied Economics
- MS in Economics
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MIA (Master in International Affairs)
- MPA (Master of Public Administration)
- MS in Business Analytics
- PhD in Economics
Nicholas Karatjas Scholarship for Economics
Nicholas Karatjas is a former professor and chairperson of the Department of Economics. Professor Karatjas was a member of the Department of Economics from 1978 until his retirement in 2017.
Karl A. McDermott Scholarship for Economics
Dr. Karl A. McDermott has served as an Ameren Distinguished Professor of Business and Government at the University of Illinois at Springfield, a special consultant with NERA Economic Consulting, and as commissioner (1992-98) on the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Robert J. Stonebraker Scholarship for Economics
Dr. Robert J. Stonebraker is a former professor in the Department of Economics. His career as a professor at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â spanned 30 years, from 1971 until his retirement from ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â in 2001. In encouraging future economists, Dr. Stonebraker took a personal interest in the students he taught and was willing to spend whatever time necessary to help them achieve their goals.
Donald A. Walker Economics Scholarship
Dr. Donald A. Walker served as chairperson of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's Department of Economics from 1969 to 1998. He was honored with ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Distinguished Faculty awards for both scholarship and service, received the first Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Distinguished Academic Service Award, was elected ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's first University Professor, served as the youngest-ever president of the History of Economics Society, and edited its international scholarly journal for a decade.
Drs. Jozefowicz Economics Scholarship
Dr. Jim Jozefowicz and Dr. Stephanie Brewer were hired to teach economics at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â beginning fall 1999. They met at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, married, and have remained dedicated to helping launch economics majors and other students into their own professional careers.
Get Hands-On Career Experience through Internships
Completing an internship related to economics can help you identify potential career paths and move your career forward.
Economic majors have taken a wide variety of internships with employers near ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â and in locations like Pittsburgh or Washington, DC.
These resources can help you research internships that match your interests:
- with the Federal Reserve’s Economic Research Division
- (internships in the Washington, DC area)
- (includes summer jobs and an internship section)
- (internships in the Washington, DC area)
Websites of Interest
A collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States
Economics analysis and data for the world
Over 2,000 institutions in 108 countries are listed
Links to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Regional Banks
See the size of the national debt at this very moment.
Convert one currency into another using the most current exchange rates.
Information about US labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the US economy to support public and private decision making
Information about US Treasury programs and activities
The homepage of the Economist, an international weekly journal containing a limited selection of articles from the current issue
Information about labor markets
A source for social, demographic, and economic information
Information about international trade disputes; independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade, and competitiveness; and the US tariff schedule
Online database consisting of hundreds of thousands of economic data time series from national, international, public, and private sources