Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in order to explain how economies work. Students in the economics major learn how to think critically, solve problems, work with numbers, in addition to a variety of other skills. The coursework in the program also provides a strong grounding in economic theory, which helps open unique career opportunities that involve policy analysis. Students pursuing economics gain valuable research experience that prepares them for graduate school or various careers in business. Four Emphasis Options are available in Economics: Economic Theory, Managerial Economics, Prelaw Economics, and International Economics and Trade.
Degree Options
- Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
- A dual major in accounting and economics is also available. Students meeting the requirements for the dual major can receive a BA or a BS. Information about this degree is found in the USU catalog.
Emphases:
- Economic Theory: This emphasis prepares students to work directly after graduation or to pursue graduate study in economics, quantitative economic analysis, or other related research degrees. Students with this emphasis often become economists involved in policy analysis for governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
- Managerial Economics: This emphasis is for students planning for careers in business; it is useful for students planning to enter the job market upon graduation or as excellent preparation for students who intend to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) or master of public administration (MPA) among other graduate programs.
- Prelaw Economics: This emphasis is for students who plan to attend law school or pursue a career related to political science. The large number of elective credits included in this emphasis area provides enough flexibility for students to custom design their program of study to meet individual interests and educational goals. Several students have taken advantage of this flexibility to design a dual major in political science and in preparation for law school.
- International Economics and Trade: This emphasis was created because of the increased globalization and interdependence among countries. Students focus on managerial and leadership skills and on enhancing competency in navigating the global economy through focused training in the areas of international economics and trade.
- Quantitative Economic History: This emphasis prepares students for quantitative careers in business, finance, data science, and policy evaluation or for post-graduate education. The classes in the emphasis use history as a backdrop to develop the advanced critical thinking and analytical skills that are vital in today's data-driven marketplace.
- Financial Economics: This emphasis prepares students for quantitative careers in the field of finance or for various graduate programs. The emphasis provides flexibility and allows students to focus their studies on different areas of financial economics including, but not limited to, corporate finance, investment analysis, and banking. Students also have the flexibility to focus their studies on financial markets and trading.
- Business Economics: This emphasis allows students to differentiate themselves within the broader economics curriculum by focusing more broadly in other areas of business. The curriculum for this emphasis allows students to gain exposure to accounting and management principles as well as finance within a business setting. The Business Economics Emphasis provides students the quantitative tools to work as a business analyst in various areas of the business.
- Econometrics and Data Analysis: This emphasis provides the opportunity for students to focus their studies more heavily on the quantitative side of economics. In this emphasis, students will gain econometric modeling skills and be exposed to cutting-edge analytical tools, including, but not limited to, machine learning and various forecasting methods. This emphasis will provide student the background to work in data science and analysis.