The Economics major pairs a strong grounding in business with economics. Majors learn about accounting, finance and management while discovering how to forecast general economic conditions, estimate trends, analyze data, and use economic theory to help their organization operate more efficiently.
Economics is a social science and as such an important component of the liberal arts curriculum. It provides a useful background for students interested in exciting and rewarding careers in private business, consulting, government, financial service institutions and numerous other sectors. Economics majors are also well-suited for graduate programs including MBA and MPA programs, and law schools.
Career opportunities in Economics
Economics majors explore theoretical and applied courses in diverse areas including microeconomics, macroeconomics, labor, money and banking, international economics, public economics, and industrial organization. Students pursue these interests within the framework of a liberal arts education.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Premajor Requirements
Total Hours - 13-16
Major Requirements
Core Requirements
Other Course Work within the Department
Course Work Outside the Department
Total Hours - 42
Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$115,730
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
17,600
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
1,100
new jobs (average)
Economists typically work in an office setting, either independently or collaborating with a variety of other workers. Most economists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreMore Than Just Money: The Vastness of an Economics Degree
A degree in economics prepares students for interesting and financially rewarding careers in private business, consulting, government, financial service institutions and numerous other sectors. Economics majors are also well-suited for graduate programs including MBA and MPA programs, and law schools.
Graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics can prepare a graduate for jobs such as:
Below is a list of some more occupations appropriate for economics majors:
Banking and Financial Services
Bank Management
Loan Officer
Commodities/Stock Broker
Economic Forecaster
Credit Accounting Coordinator
Securities Analyst
Pension Funds Administrator
Portfolio Administrator
Government
Regional/Urban Planner
Foreign Trade Analyst
Social Security Administrator
Cost Analyst
Tax Administrator
Budget Officer
Lobbyist
Business
Market Analyst
Purchasing Agent
Public Relations
Real Estate Agent
Systems Evaluator
Forecaster
Contract Administrator
Auditor
Financial Analyst
Pricing Analyst
Insurance
Underwriter
Claims Adjuster
Benefits Analyst
Some employers of economics majors
Ameriprise Financial - www.ameriprise.com
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - www.federalreserve.gov
Cambridge Associates- www.cambridgeassociates.com
CIGNA - www.cigna.com
Economy.com - www.economy.com
DuPont - www.dupont.com
GEICO Direct - www.geico.com
MassMutual - www.massmutual.com
Merrill Lynch - www.ml.com
Northrop Grumman - www.northropgrumman.com
Vanguard - www.vanguard.com
Wells Fargo Financial - www.wellsfargo.com
For more information about careers, go to the following:
National Association for Business Economists - www.nabe.com
American Economic Association - www.aeaweb.org
After College - Economics Career Network - www.aftercollege.com
Econ Jobs - www.econ-jobs.com
Economics Bulletin - www.economicsbulletin.com
Institute for International Economics - www.iie.com
National Council on Economic Education - www.ncee.net
JOE - Job Openings for Economists - www.aeaweb.org/joe
Cengage Learning - Information for economics majors - www.swcollege.com/bef/economics_careers/career_resources_degree.html
For more information about career opportunities, contact the UK Career Center.
College of Arts & Sciences
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