Economics

Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, and governments allocate their scarce resources. This major is designed for those who seek a broad understanding of the operation of the economic system and training in the methods and uses of economic analysis. Graduates are equipped for employment in many areas of business operations, labor unions, and agencies of government at all levels; and to undertake the graduate work necessary to become professional economists.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Minor
Economics

Explore Interests Related to Economics

Analyzes market trends, financial systems, and economic theory to drive data-informed decision-making and optimize business strategies.

Focuses on market systems, data analysis, and economic theory. Equips students to leverage AI for forecasting, optimizing business strategies, and solving complex financial challenges.

Analyzes economic systems and their societal impacts. Prepares students to design equitable economic policies, address financial disparities, and advocate for systemic economic justice.

Examines resource distribution, economic inequality, and the impact of policies on marginalized communities. Prepares students to develop strategies and policies that promote economic justice and equitable growth.

Analyzes resource allocation, market dynamics, and policy impacts. Prepares students to design economic strategies for sustainable development, environmental regulations, and green innovation.

Degree Options

  • Business
  • Political Science
  • Business and the Liberal Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

About the Program

You might like this program if…

  • You have an interest in decisions made by individuals and firms, policies made by governments, and their effects. Economists advise presidents, make forecasts about unemployment and the stock market, and create Federal Reserve Bank policies. But economists also study health care, crime, environmental issues, inequality, and more. Perhaps most importantly, economics provides knowledge and logic for making everyday decisions, big and small. This includes everything from where to eat lunch to what career you choose.
  • Oral and Written Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Interpersonal and Interviewing Skills

Coursework

  • Public Finance
  • Money and Banking
  • Economics of Sports
  • Health Economics
  • International Economics

Out-of-Classroom Experiences

  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
  • Cigna Healthcare
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York
  • Swiss Re
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte Consulting
  • Bates White
  • General Services Administration
  • PwC
  • Aldi
  • SAP America
  • The Vanguard Group
  • Emerald Asset Management
  • JP Morgan Chase & Co.
  • IBM
China
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Germany
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Italy
Students in CAMS/HIST 199 Roman Cities at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy in June 2022
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Career Paths

  • Law school
  • MBA
  • Graduate school to study economics, finance, accounting, statistics, data science, risk management, information systems, management and organizational leadership, business analytics, supply chain, engineering, and mathematics
  • Economist
  • Market Researcher
  • Accountant
  • Risk Analyst
  • Auditor
  • Research Assistant
  • System Analyst
  • Lawyer
Banking/Finance, Consulting, Data Analysis, Logistics and Operations, Management, Marketing, Research, Risk Management
  • Deloitte
  • PNC
  • Citi
  • PwC
  • EY
  • Morgan Stanley
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Vanguard
  • Amazon

Have questions about this program?

This program is housed 

in the Department of Economics 
at Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus.
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CURRENT Students
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