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Economics, General

Program Description

Just the Facts

Economics, General. A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Additional Information

You have to make a balance between the money you have and the stuff you'd like to have. What should be taken off the list? Can you save more? An economics degree will train you to be able to solve problems such as this.

Several universities have programs in economics. A bachelor's degree will take you three to four years to complete.

If you want to be an economist, consider a master's or doctorate degree. A doctorate will enable you to teach.

At the graduate level and sometimes at the undergraduate level, you can choose to specialize in a particular area of economics. Choose an area that fits with your interests. Options include agricultural economics, transport economics, environmental economics and media economics.

You can also specialize in international economics, economics of education or business economics.

Rhona Free is a professor of economics at Eastern Connecticut State University. She says the admission process looks at a student's potential.

"We don't exclude students with weak backgrounds in any area because we find that many of our best students don't flourish as students until they get to college," she says. "As long as they have good analytical abilities, we can teach them anything else they need."

Most economics students receive the same broad introduction to the subject. Microeconomic theory, for example, will teach you how prices are determined and how scarce resources can be shared to meet competing needs.

You'll learn macroeconomic theory, too. That deals with employment, unemployment and inflation, among other topics.

Students planning to major in economics should explore a wide range of activities. Math and science courses are very important.

But economics is a diverse field. So if possible, you should try to discover in advance just where your interests lie. Also, think of which industry you'd like to work in so you can determine what economics specialization to choose.

James Barbour is an associate professor of economics at Elon University. He says high school students should concentrate their studies on math, English and history -- in that order.

Some high schools offer economics classes. But Barbour says that most universities are not concerned about whether students have taken economics in high school. Introductory university courses will teach you the basics.

Computer literacy is not required. But it is a bonus.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Economists

Resources for Economists on the Internet
Heaps of links and practical info for students and professionals

Great Economists and Their Times
Explore the ideas of some of the great minds that have shaped the field

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.