Program Overview

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Economics, BS

The University’s economics program offers an extensive array of courses to develop the student’s analytical abilities and prepare graduates for rewarding careers in business, industry, and government. Economics also provides a sound foundation for postgraduate study in a variety of fields. The department offers a major in economics through both the Culverhouse College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Overview

Students interested in studying economics should be able to think analytically, be creative in solving problems, and have a strong interest in overall business strategy and/or economic and public policy. Economics is also a good major for pre-law students, as well as students desiring to pursue a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, or an advanced degree in economics, public policy, finance, or other areas of business.

Requirements

• Major Courses:
  • EC 308 or EC 310: Intermediate Microeconomics (C- or better required in EC 308 or EC 310) - 3 hours
  • EC 309 or EC 311: Intermediate Macroeconomics (C- or better is required in EC 309 or EC 311) - 3 hours
  • FI 301: Intro Financial Inst. & Mkts - 3 hours
  • Additional EC Courses - 9 hours
  • Credit Hours Subtotal: 18 hours
• Ancillary Courses:
  • FI 389: Financial Analysis & Modeling - 3 hours
• Concentration:
  • Concentration, Second Major or Approved Minor - 9-18 hours
  • Total Hours: 30-39 hours

Concentrations

Econometrics and Quantitative Economics Concentration

Econometrics connects many academic disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the science and art of using economics theory and statistical techniques to analyze economic data. The Econometrics and Quantitative Economics concentration provides students with quantitative economics reasoning and prepares them for analytical positions in industry and government, as well as to enter a graduate program of studies.

• Required:
  • EC 471: Econometrics - 3 hours
  • Choose 2 courses from the following list: - 6 hours
    • EC 413: Econ Forecasting & Analysis
    • EC 414: Behavioral Economics
    • EC 415: Sports Economics
    • EC 470: Intro Mathematical Economics
    • EC 472: Financial Econometrics
    • EC 473: Games and Decisions
    • EC 474: Experimental Economics
  • Total Hours: 9 hours

Economic Policy Concentration

The Economic Policy concentration provides students with a broad set of competencies and a broad range of applications of economics theory, with a focus on evaluating economic policies and measuring the success or failure of government programs. Students can choose courses that will help explore various areas including law, trade, competition, monetary, environment, healthcare, labor, and development.

• Required:
  • Choose 3 courses from the following list: - 9 hours
    • EC 410: Law And Economics
    • EC 412: Industrial Organization
    • EC 414: Behavioral Economics
    • EC 415: Sports Economics
    • EC 416: Monetary Theory & Policy
    • EC 422: Urban Economics
    • EC 423: Public Finance
    • EC 430: International Trade
    • EC 431: International Finance
    • EC 432: Development Economics
    • EC 460: Labor Economics
    • EC 480: Econ of Environment
    • EC 483: Health Care Economics
  • Total Hours: 9 hours

Finance/Economics Double Major

The double major in finance and economics is for students looking to combine the two fields. The double major includes a Finance elective and an additional Economics elective, because of the extensive overlap between the Finance and Economics majors. Students completing this curriculum earn two majors, not two degrees, since both are part of Culverhouse College of Business.

Career Opportunities

The opportunities for students who complete a bachelor's degree in economics range from positions in banking and financial services to real estate, insurance, enterprise risk management, consulting, and the public sector. The economics major also provides excellent preparation for admission to law school, MBA programs, schools of public policy, and doctoral programs in economics, finance, or other areas of business.

Types of Jobs Accepted

• Consulting firms
• Litigation consultant
• Stock broker
• Financial advisor
• Data miner
• Teach for America
• Economist for public utilities commission

Jobs of Experienced Alumni

Our experienced alumni hold positions such as:

• Attorney
• Professor of economics
• Credit risk manager
• Data miner
• Public policy analyst
• Various management positions