Students interested in studying economics should be able to think analytically, be creative in solving problems, and have a strong interest in overall business strategy and/or economic and public policy. Economics is also a good major for pre-law students, as well as students desiring to pursue a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, or an advanced degree in economics, public policy, finance, or other areas of business.
The University’s economics program offers an extensive array of courses to develop the student’s analytical abilities and prepare graduates for rewarding careers in business, industry and government. Economics also provides a sound foundation for postgraduate study in a variety of fields. The department offers a major in economics through both the Culverhouse College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students majoring in other fields in Culverhouse may select economics as a non-business minor. Students majoring or minoring in economics are urged to consult an undergraduate advisor for recommendation of 400-level economics courses and general electives consistent with their career goals and objectives.
Economics majors must complete the core Computer Language requirement by taking FI 389 Financial Analysis & Modeling . Economics majors are required to select a concentration, a second major, or an approved (business or non-business) minor.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Major Courses | ||
| EC 308 | Intermediate Microeconomics (minimum grade of C-) | 3 |
| EC 309 | Intermediate Macroeconomics (minimum grade of C-) | 3 |
| FI 301 | Intro Financial Inst. & Mkts | 3 |
| Additional EC Courses 1 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
| Concentration | ||
| Concentration, Second Major or Approved Minor | 9-18 | |
| Total Hours | 27-36 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| 1 | EC 400 Analysis Econ Cond Micro/Macro and EC 492 Internship cannot be counted toward the major; EC 470EC 470 Intro Mathematical Economics is strongly recommended for those considering graduate work on economics or business. |
Concentrations
Econometrics connects many academic disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the science and art of using economics theory and statistical techniques to analyze economic data. The Econometrics and Quantitative Economics concentration provides students with quantitative economics reasoning and prepares them for analytical positions in industry and government, as well as to enter a graduate program of studies. Students will learn how to use econometrics methods to understand consumer behavior, markets, and industries. In addition, students will learn how to use game theory and experimental methods commonly used in psychology to understand individual and interactive decision making. The Econometrics and Quantitative Economics concentration is restricted to Economics majors only.
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics Concentration | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | ||
| EC 471 | Econometrics | 3 |
| Choose 2 courses from the following list: | 6 | |
| Econ Forecasting & Analysis | ||
| Behavioral Economics | ||
| Sports Economics | ||
| Intro Mathematical Economics | ||
| Financial Econometrics | ||
| Games and Decisions | ||
| Experimental Economics | ||
| Total Hours | 9 | |
The Economic Policy concentration provides students with a broad set of competencies and a broad range of applications of economics theory, with a focus on evaluating economic policies and measuring the success or failure of government programs. Students can choose courses that will help explore various areas including law, trade, competition, monetary, environment, healthcare, labor, and development. Students will be prepared for careers in industry and government, as well as graduate studies in law, business, and public policy. The Economic Policy concentration is restricted to Economics majors only.
| Economic Policy Concentration | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | ||
| Choose 3 courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Law And Economics | ||
| Industrial Organization | ||
| Behavioral Economics | ||
| Sports Economics | ||
| Monetary Theory & Policy | ||
| Urban Economics | ||
| Public Finance | ||
| International Trade | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Development Economics | ||
| Labor Economics | ||
| Econ of Environment | ||
| Health Care Economics | ||
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Finance/Economics Double Major
The double major in finance and economics is for students looking to combine the two fields. The double major includes a Finance elective and an additional Economics elective, because of the extensive overlap between the Finance and Economics majors. Students completing this curriculum earn two majors, not two degrees, since both are part of Culverhouse College of Business.
Please click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page for the list of courses required for the double major.
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, and doctoral programs in economics, finance, or 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
Our experienced alumni hold positions such as attorney, professor of economics, credit risk manager, data miner, public policy analyst, and various management positions
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center