Economics Major

This particular major provides training in the essential areas of economics but allows a liberal selection of elective credits for those students wishing to earn a dual major. It has been very popular with finance and accounting majors as a dual major because of the added theoretical and analytical dimension that advanced studies in economics can contribute to finance and accounting majors. Economics provides excellent preparation for students interested in advanced studies in accounting or finance. In addition, because this major provides a strong grounding in economic theory, it helps open career opportunities that involve policy analysis. This major also has advantages for students in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences with an opportunity to learn about policy analysis tools. Whether the students are directly interested in policy or simply interested in the impact of policy within their chosen primary major, economics introduces a robust and empirically verified paradigm for explaining the behavior of social systems and their interaction with cultural, biological, and physical resources.

Advising Information

Advisor: Ruth Harrison
Office: Business 309
Phone Number: 435.797.2272
Email: ruth.harrison@usu.edu

Academic Advising Materials

About This Degree

Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services and aims to explain how economies work. Economics students learn how to think critically, solve problems, work with numbers, and a variety of other skills. Students pursuing economics gain valuable research experience that prepares them for graduate school or various careers in business. The coursework in the program also provides a strong grounding in economic theory, which helps open career opportunities that involve policy analysis.

The economics major features a flexible course schedule, making it a great option for students wishing to earn a dual major. Economics is a popular dual major for finance and accounting majors because of the added theoretical and analytical dimension that advanced studies in economics contributes.

The oldest business school west of the Mississippi, USU’s Huntsman School of Business has been offering degrees since 1894 and has long held prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and continues to be on the forefront of advanced business education.

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.

Emphases

An emphasis is not required.

  • Economic Theory: This emphasis prepares students to work directly after graduation or to pursue graduate study in economics, agricultural economics, quantitative economic analysis, or other related research degrees. Students with this emphasis often become economists involved with 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

Distance Education

The BS in economics is available through USU’s Regional Campuses and Distance Education program through online course work only.

Career Options

With a degree in economics, students may be qualified for the following careers:

  • Loan officer
  • Financial analyst
  • Credit manager
  • Financial officer
  • Insurance underwriter
  • Claims adjuster
  • Actuary
  • Financial planner
  • Risk manager
  • Asset management
  • Appraiser
  • Economic consultant
  • Economic loss specialist
  • Statistical analyst
  • Management trainee
  • Trade specialist
  • Trust officer