Economics Major - Career Paths

Economics Major - Career Paths Economics Major - Career Paths About This Major In this world, resources are typically scarce but the wants and needs of the population are boundless. The responsibility for figuring out how to best allocate these resources falls into the hands of those who study economics. The economics major, a social science, is concerned with the production, distribution and consumption of intangibles such as time and talent, and tangibles like housing, money, supplies, equipment and labor. Although economics is a social science, this major may be part of the college of arts and sciences or the school of business, depending on the college. Students can earn associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees in econ, as it is often called. After earning an associate degree most people transfer to four year colleges in order to earn a bachelors degree and many go on from there to earn masters and doctoral degrees. There are few jobs available for bachelor-level economists. Those who do not choose to pursue a higher degree in this subject sometimes pursue one in another field, for example business or law. There are also many alternative career options that utilize the skills one attains while earning a bachelors degree in economics. Most professional positions in economics require a masters degree or a PhD. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Principles of EconomicsMicroeconomics (Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced)Macroeconomics (Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced)Economics of Developing CountriesBusiness and SocietyHealth EconomicsMathematical EconomicsEconometricsHistory of Economic ThoughtThe Economics of GenderStatistics for EconomicsLaw and EconomicsUrban and Regional Economics Masters Degree Courses Global Economic EnvironmentManagerial EconomicsEmpirical Analysis of Trade PolicyResearch Methods in EconomicsIndustrial Organization and Public PolicyBehavioral EconomicsFinancial DerivativesEconomic HistoryEconomics of the Environment and Natural ResourcesEconomics of DefenseEconomics of Technological ChangeGlobal Enterprise PhD Courses Mathematics for EconomistsBusiness CyclesMicroeconomic AnalysisMacroeconomic AnalysisAdvanced Topics in EconometricsApplied EconometricsHistory of Political EconomyInternational EconomicsGame Theory and Economics Career Options With Your Degree Bachelors Degree (entry-level or one to two years of experience): Strategy Consultant, Research AnalystMasters Degree: Economist, Macro-Economic Quantitative Researcher, Instructor (Community College), Director of Research Analytics, Lead Economic Capital Modeling Analyst, Credit Risk Manager, Risk AnalystDoctoral Degree: Economist, Macro-Economic Quantitative Researcher, Professor, Consultant *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in economics. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in economics only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings People who graduate with a degree in economics work for corporations, financial institutions, colleges and universities, and governments. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major High school  students who are thinking about studying economics in college should have a strong background in mathematics. They should take as many advanced math classes as possible. Students should also take economics classes if they are offered. Courses in statistics will also be helpful. What Else You Need to Know This major may be part of a colleges school of business or college of arts and sciences.A bachelors degree in economics isnt necessarily a requirement for acceptance into a masters degree program, but applicants must usually have taken introductory coursework.Some doctoral programs require a masters degree in economics or a related field for admission while others require only a bachelors degree. PhD candidates are awarded a masters degree after completing part of the doctoral program.Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation. Students may take from four and six years to earn a PhD.Some masters degree programs require students to write a thesis. Professional Organizations and Other Resources American Economic Association (AEA) US Graduate Programs in Economics (from the AEA)The Association for Social Economics National Association for Business Economics (NABE)About.com US Economy