Economics

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 a foundation 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.
• Visit the SLU Economics Department website and check out the course 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

• Professional Associations
  • National Association for Business Economics
  • American Economic Association
  • International Economic Development Council
  • American Society of Health Economics
  • Institute for International Economics
  • National Council on Economic Education
  • Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
  • Association for Social Economics
  • National Economists Club
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Marketing Association
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • American Society of Transportation & Logistics
  • Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
  • Association for Financial Professionals
  • National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
  • National Association of Realtors
  • American Association for Advertising Agencies
  • Manufacturers’ Agents National Association


• Occupational Outlook Industry Information
  • Actuarial Science
  • Market and Survey Research
  • Accounting and Auditing
  • Human Resources, Training and Labor Relations Managing
  • Purchasing
  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Service Sales
  • Financial Management
  • Loan Administration
  • Insurance Sales
  • Real Estate
  • Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, and Public Relations
  • Technical Sales
  • Manufacturing and Wholesale Sales
  • State and Local Government Industry Guide
  • Federal Government Industry Guide


• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
    Economic Careers from Career Overview
  • Social Science Jobs in the Federal Government
  • Federal Reserve System
  • Congressional Budget Office
  • The Economist
  • Economics E-Journal
  • Actuarial Science
  • Business Jobs in the Federal Government
  • Business and Finance Career Resources
  • Information for Accounting, Finance, and H.R. Students from SmartPros
  • US Small Business Association: Business Planner
  • Entrepreneur.Com
  • Careers in Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics Online


• Job Postings
  • 
  • Econ-Jobs
  • USA Jobs
  • JOE - Job Openings for Economists

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