What Will I Learn in an Economics Degree Program?

This major will help students get a better understanding of how the world economy works, often exploring psychology, sociology and history to do so. Most economics degree programs will provide students with a good foundation in the principles of finance, with courses in business, international economics, legal studies and statistics. Students may also want to choose a particular concentration to gear their studies toward specific career goals. Popular concentrations include business law, financial analysis and consumer behavior, but economics degree programs are usually very flexible and it can be easy to add courses that match personal or professional interests.

AA in Economics	BA in Economics	MBA in Economics

What Can I Do With an Economics Degree?

Graduates with an economics degree can find work as financial analysts, economic consultants or financial controllers, to name just a few options. A degree in economics prepares students for careers in a variety of occupations, including as a treasurer at a bank or as an entrepreneur. For those who pursue a master's degree, management and executive positions in most fields will also be a possibility. Additionally, those with higher level degrees may want to move into the academic setting and study economics as a professor or researcher.

What Is the Career Outlook for Economics Degree Students?

The employment prospects are somewhat mixed for economists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for workers who have knowledge of economics will increase, but the vast majority of these jobs will be in business, finance and insurance. For those who want to stick strictly with economics, competition for positions will be tough but not impossible as the field grows slowly over the next eight years. Those who decide to pursue advanced degrees, who have specialized knowledge or who are willing to work for private businesses should have the best employment opportunities as economics graduates.