Economics

Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise & Free Enterprise ›Undergrad Studies › Economics

Are you good at dealing with conflict? Do you have
an analytical mind?

Are you curious about how business decisions, politics, social reforms, and international relations impact a society’s economic base? If this describes you, consider pursuing a major in economics.

If you think the study of economics sounds like as much as fun as watching paint dry, think again. It is, in fact, excellent preparation for a variety of careers and graduate programs. Recent surveys indicate that economics ranks among the most popular majors chosen by undergraduates.

What You’ll Learn

As the study of human behavior in the production, exchange and consumption of material goods and services, economics is the basis for understanding contemporary events. You will learn how to predict market trends, analyze the relative merits of different possible market structures, and advise governments and international bodies about the likely effects of their economic policies upon individuals, industries, and whole economies. In addition, you will develop analytical and strategic thinking skills, critical to tackling some of the business world’s most challenging issues.

Career Options

Because of their keen insights and effective problem solving skills, economics majors find a wide variety of career choices. These include statistical analysis, monetary policy, public finance, economic development, and policy analysis in the public sector. In the private sector, you have even more possibilities, such as foreign-exchange trader, stockbroker, financial consultant, tax analyst, investment adviser, research officer, bank manager, market analyst, journalist, and so on. The list doesn’t end there. Non-traditional opportunities include education, environmental science, medical administration, and international affairs.

An economics degree also opens the door to graduate programs in such areas as business administration, humanities, social sciences, law, public administration, and accounting.  Our alumni have been admitted to prestigious graduate schools, including the London School of Economics, University of Stockholm, College of William & Mary, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, American University, Vanderbilt University, and Stetson Law School.

Other graduates have found positions as foreign exchange traders and stockbrokers, financial consultants, and investment advisers.

Program Requirements

Along with exposing you to guiding principles of the discipline, you’re study of economics will teach you to critically analyze and evaluate social phenomena. In keeping with FSC's mission to prepare students to make positive and important contributions to society, you will gain insights that will allow you to better contribute to the world community.

Economics Major Requirements

If you anticipate graduation study, you are advised to enroll in additional quantitative courses and other appropriate electives.

ECO 2205	Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 2207	Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 3305	Microeconomic Theory
ECO 3307	Macroeconomic Theory
ECO/BUS 3320	Applied Statistics of Business and Economics
Sixteen additional hours in Economics electives selected from the following:
ECO 3308	Monetary Economics
ECO 3319	Labor Economics
ECO 3345	Economics and the Environment
ECO 4406	Public Economics
ECO 4407	International Trade and Finance
ECO 4415	Industrial Organization
ECO 4999	Contemporary Issues in Economics

For a complete listing of requirements, please refer
to the academic catalog »

Minor in Economics

To earn a minor in economics, you will need to complete eighteen hours of Economic coursework.