Program Overview

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Economics Major

Overview

The Economics Major is an undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, theories, and practices. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and influence how wealth is created, consumed, and distributed.

Course Essentials

• Qualification: Economics Major
• Credit: A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Economics?

• Enjoy a strong salary: The average salary for an economist role in Australia is $85,000 to $100,000 according to SEEK (2025).
• Influence policy and progress: Economics is one of the core disciplines within business and public policy – progress doesn’t happen without the economic groundwork.
• Look to the future: Economists are a key part of the ‘big data’ realm that is helping industry and governments improve their decision making and efficiency.

Why Study Economics at Curtin?

• An elite global business school: Study at an elite global business school accredited by EQUIS, the leading quality review system for business and management schools, and AACSB, an organization dedicated to creating the next generation of great leaders.
• Real-world learning: Gain insight into the work you'll do as an economist by learning through real case studies and practical scenarios.
• Top ranking: Curtin Business School tops the rankings for business schools in Western Australia in the Eduniversal 'Palmes of Excellence' league (2024).

Professional Recognition and Accreditation

Students in Australia may be eligible for student membership of the Association of Financial Advisers. Graduates may be eligible for associate membership of the Economic Society of Australia (WA Branch) and the Women in Economics Network.

Fees and Scholarships

Please view the Bachelor of Commerce degree for indicative fees.

What You'll Learn

• Apply knowledge of economic models, data, and methods to complex economic and social issues such as in climate and energy markets and identify innovative solutions and/or discuss policy alternatives that are relevant to affected communities.
• Communicate professionally by presenting findings and explaining complex data using graphs/charts/tables in ways that a broad audience can easily understand, and in ways that are responsible and appropriate given the economic local, national and/or international context.
• Use relevant technologies such as playing experimental economics games and/or methodologies to investigate economic and social issues in ways that demonstrate critical thinking, responsible judgment, and a greater understanding of human behaviors and motivation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity by being exposed to a range of economic perspectives and how this both affects economic and social behavior and informs respectful and responsible professional practice.
• Demonstrate industry readiness with a strong analytical and problem-solving skillset through the development of sound practical economic analyses, and critical reflection of individual capabilities and current, emerging, and future local and global challenges.

Parent Degrees

You can study this major under the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Commerce (as a single or double major)
• Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours) (as a single or double major)
• Bachelor of Innovation (as a single major)
• Bachelor of Arts (as a double major with an Arts major)

Your choice of parent degree can influence the type of career you might have.

Double Degrees

You can study our Economics major as part of the following double degrees:

• Arts and Commerce
• Engineering and Commerce
• Law and Commerce
• Science and Commerce.

What Jobs Can the Economics Course Lead to?

• Analyst/risk manager
• Economic analyst
• Economist
• Policy analyst
• Policy/research advisor

What Jobs Can an Economics Double Major Lead to?

• Corporate finance analyst (with Finance)
• Credit analyst (with Finance)
• Financial manager (with Finance)
• Policy advisor (with International Relations)
• Market research analyst (with Marketing)