Undergraduate Program

Economics Department
Indiana University


Choosing a major is one of your most important academic decisions, because it will greatly influence your life's path. Certainly, you want to study something you find interesting and exciting, as well as relevant to whatever career you eventually pursue.

Why would someone wish to study economics? Some of us ask "Why wouldn't someone wish to study economics!?" Look around you. Economic principles touch you every day in many ways. Do you choose to hold down a job while you are in school? How do you feel about health care reform? Does the price of concert tickets keep you from going to very many shows? How might the Federal Reserve influence the interest rate of your next student loan?

Economics teaches that intelligent choice requires a knowledge of alternatives and the ability to assess the costs and benefits associated in choosing among them. You will apply these economic principles to yourself as you consider what academic path to follow, what career path to follow, and as you make similar choices throughout your lifetime.

The American Economic Association maintains a website containing additional information for undergraduate economics students. 
 

For Information on Econ Programs and Courses

Please click here for the College Bulletin, Economics.

Are you thinking about graduate school in economics? 
If so, click here for a list of recommended mathematics courses.
 

Employability

AT&T studied the college backgrounds of employees who, after twenty years, had advanced to senior management positions. They found that 43% of the liberal arts graduates advanced to senior management, compared to 34% of the business school graduates and 28% of the engineering graduates. The president of AT&T, Charles Brown, offered an explanation: "The humanities and social science majors were most suitable to change -- the leading feature of this kind of high-speed, high pressure, high-tech world we now occupy."

Is law school in your future? Scott Turow in his book One L espouses the importance of training in economics for the study and practice of law. He states that top programs, such as Harvard, not only put a greater weight on applicants with economics backgrounds, but such programs consider economic training as essential to the field of law.

Would you aspire to be a stock broker or a banker? Mark Denner, B.A., Economics & Political Science works as a representative for Dun & Bradstreet. He travels all over the world, including Barcelona and Hong Kong. He attributes his placement in this position and his success with the firm to his training from IU, particularly the analytical tools he aquired studying economics.

Does teaching, journalism or consulting interest you? An academic background in economics would greatly enhance your maketability in these fields.

Did you know that the United States Foreign Services is actively recruiting economics majors. The analytical skills they have acquired are in great demand.

Did you know that The average starting salary for economics majors is over $41,333. Opportunities for our majors are vast. The study of economics, by teaching and strengthening your analytical skills, prepares you for many walks of life. The College of Arts and Sciences, through the Career Development Center, offers a placement course which focuses on resume writing, interview skills, and how best to choose the right career. If you are interested in seeking a business related job, the Business Placement Office is also available for economics students. See the Academic Advisor in Economics for more information.
 

Is Economics for You...

"It's like someone let me in on a secret!" - An E201 student's comment about studying economics

The above quotation shows the excitement some students feel about studying economics. Economics is a social science, and as such, is about the world around us. For some, inspiration is found in trying to figure out "what makes things tick." If you like to take things apart to see how they work, economics may be for you.

Economics covers a variety of subjects and applications. International Economics, Money and the Banking System, Economies of Lesser Developed Countries, Environmental Economics, Public Finance, Economics in Laboratory Experiments, Game Theory, and Econometrics are among the most popular areas of study. You might think about trying a low 300 level course in one of these areas to see if it sparks your interest. The Academic Advisor in Economics will be happy to assist you in choosing a course which fits your interests and backgrounds.

For Information on Econ Programs and Courses

Please click here for the College Bulletin, Economics.

Are you thinking about graduate school in economics? 
If so, click here for a list of recommended mathematics courses.

 

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