The study of economics is an excellent way to acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical way of analyzing various social problems. The economics major includes coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic policy, and econometrics. The department of Economics, Finance and Legal Studies offer a broad range of economic courses with a flexible major requirement so the students can choose to take courses that match their academic ability, interests, and career goals. Students with a major in economics are well prepared for advanced study in economics, law, and business as well as careers in business consulting, policy analysis, economic research, and financial services.
Prerequisite Policy
The catalog and registration system provide information on the preparation necessary in order to enroll in a specific course. All 300-level courses in the College of Arts and Sciences have either a specific prerequisite course or have the expectation that the student will have junior standing (61 earned hours), or the permission of the instructor, in order to enroll.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a bachelor of arts (BA) degree through both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Culverhouse College of Business. Following is the standard track that Arts and Sciences students may follow for a major in economics. **Please note that the prerequisites listed for each economics course vary by college. A&S economics majors do not have to take AC 210, AC 211, LGS 200, or LGS 201.
Quantitative Track
| Required Courses | Hours |
| EC 110 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 111 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 308 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 309 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 413 | Econ Forecasting & Analysis | 3 |
| EC 471 | Econometrics | 3 |
| 1 | 12 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Standard Track
Students who wish to pursue a more challenging program can opt for the quantitative track, which requires EC 413 Econ Forecasting & Analysis and EC 471 Econometrics, along with the mathematical statistics minor. This program is shown here.
| Required Courses | Hours |
| EC 110 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 111 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EC 308 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 309 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| 1 | 18 |
| ST 260 | Statistical Data Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 121 or | Calculus & Applications | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Calculus I |
| Total Hours | 36 |
The opportunities for students who complete a bachelor's degree in economics range from positions in banking and financial services to real estate, insurance, enterprise risk management, consulting, and the public sector. The economics major also provides excellent preparation for admission to law school, MBA programs, schools of public policy, doctoral programs in economics, finance, and other areas of business.
Types of Jobs Accepted
consulting firms, litigation consultant, stock broker, financial advisor, data miner, Teach for America, economist for public utilities commission
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
attorney, professor of economics, credit risk manager, data miner, various management positions, public policy analyst
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
