Economics

What is Economics?

In this program, you will learn about the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. You will study the concept of supply and demand and its effect on the marketplace; employment trends and their effect on government and its policies; and the use of natural, financial, and technological resources and its effect on the population. Economics students study about inflation, recession, monetary policies, unemployment, international business, and a wide variety of economic principles which influence world commerce.

Economics is broadly defined as the study of the allocation of scarce resources among alternative uses. It studies the behavior of individual economic decision-makers (namely consumers, firms, workers and government policy-makers) and how they respond to changing incentives. It also examines nations’ overall economic condition — their output, price level, level of employment and economic growth — and the interactions, exchanges and relationships of nations in the world economy. Economics evaluates the efficiency and equity of economic outcomes and studies the role of government in the economy and people’s lives. The economics curriculum is designed to familiarize the student with economic theory, to provide knowledge about economic institutions, to foster the development of skills in applying economic analysis to contemporary issues, and to create afoundation for intelligent citizenship.

Economics majors find many opportunities for careers in business, law, teaching and government. Upon graduation, students who have majored in economics generally pursue one of two paths: some enter directly into employment, while others enter graduate programs in economics, law, business or public administration.

Working in Economics
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Logical reasoning
• Ability to solve puzzles
• Interest in conducting research
• Above  average ability in oral and written communication
• Ability to collect and organize data
• Leadership ability

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Budget Analyst
Controller
Credit Analyst
Economist
Financial Analyst
Financial Manager
Investment Banker
Managing Consultant
Market Researcher
Marketing Manager
Trade Specialist

Learning More About Economics

• Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library which includes:
• Great Jobs for Economics Majors
• Visit the SLU Economics Department website
• Check out Economics course descriptions in the Catalog
• Talk with a professor in Economics about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

Spotlight on Careers
National Association for Business Economists
American Economic Association
Econ Jobs
Economics Bulletin
Institute for International Economics
National Council on Economic Education
JOE - Job Openings for Economists
State of Delaware (list of agencies)
The Riley Guide

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Economics-Mathematics Combined
Global Studies
Government
Sociology