Economics

Economic way of thinking

Economics studies the problems caused by scarcity of resources (land, labor, capital) and how individuals, institutions and societies may deal with these problems.

They may conduct research, collect and analyze data as well as develop policy recommendations.

Economists examine a wide variety of issues including: employment levels, economic growth, international trade and currency exchange, business cycles, taxes, wages, income distribution as well as consumer and market behavior and choices.

What can I do with the economics field?

Economics prepares you for employment in business and government and provides the ideal background for graduate study in Law, Business, Public Policy as well as Economics. Some examples of job titles often held by those with an economic background are:

• Financial analyst
• Market analyst
• Public policy consultant
• Researcher or research assistant
• Purchasing manager
• Field economist

The minor at USF requires 24 hours which qualifies a graduate for a position with government agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a beginning field economist.

Career Outlook

Employment of economists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009 report. The demand for workers who have knowledge and skill in economics is projected to grow faster, but these workers are often in occupations other than economist. As a result a minor in economics with a major in another business field will offer enhanced job opportunities. Individuals with a background in economics should have opportunities in various occupations.

Learn more about the profession

• American Economics Association
• Illinois Economics Association
• Midwest Economics Association
• History of Economic Thought
• National Association of Business Economics
• National Bureau of Economic Research
• Economic History Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

Curriculum (24-25 Semester Hours)

Required Courses (15-16 hours):
Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3)
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory(3)
Intro to Statistics (3) or Statistics (3/4)

Three courses (9 semester hours) from the following electives:
International Business (3)
Consumption Economics (3)
International Economics (3)
Topics in Economics (1-3)
Commercial Banking (3)
International Finance (3)
Economics of Labor Management (3)

For more curriculum information

See the USF Catalog