Economics underlies everything we do in societies around the globe.  Given its focus on the allocation of scarce resources among competing desires, economics will always be critical for citizens to understand, regardless of the form or structure of the social institutions under which these individuals live.  Those who study economics will develop a skill set that is useful in business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations.  Graduates will be better able to function as individual decision-makers within our complex, interrelated society; they will be enabled as critical thinkers and socially responsible citizens.

Students who minor in Economics receive training in quantitative methods, economic theory, business decision making, and applied economic analysis. Students can tailor their academic programs to fit their strengths, interests, and career goals. With appropriate program planning, graduates can also take an array of courses allowing them to obtain teaching certification at the secondary school level.  Students seeking information on teacher certification should contact the Education Office.

The training received by Economics students in incentive-based decision making creates a variety of career opportunities.  Economics minors enter careers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations.  Individuals trained in economics are often employed by banks, investment firms, government agencies, market research firms, insurance companies, management consulting, advertising agencies, labor unions, and as private entrepreneurs. Others develop careers in real estate, land use planning, financial planning, credit and debt collection, statistical and systems analysis, politics, and public administration. Some graduates go on to further studies in graduate schools, where they receive advanced training in such fields as business, economics, law, public policy, and urban studies.