At which campus can I study this program?
What is 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, banking, risk assessment, and agencies of government at all levels; and to undertake the graduate work necessary to become professional economists.
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.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| ECON 102 | Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy  | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | 3 |
| ECON 302 | Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis | 3 |
| ECON 304 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis | 3 |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of additional ECON courses at the 400-level | 6 | |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
World Campus
Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu
Career Paths
The field of Economics provides many opportunities (in both the public and private sector), as well as opportunities for graduate studies.
Careers
Employers know that a degree in Economics provides students with a logical way of making decisions for individuals and firms, as well as understanding the creation of policies and their consequences. Recent graduates have started private sector careers in consulting, sales, banking, and financial advising, as well as public sector careers with the FDA and DOJ. An economist will help a firm or public agency make important decisions using quantitative cost/benefit analysis, and will be able to understand how new policies will affect the firm.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Many schools offer graduate (both M.A. and Ph.D.) programs in Economics. In addition, with the logical thought processes learned and appropriate math background, the Economics degree will prepare students for an M.B.A. or J.D. If you are considering graduate studies in Economics, the B.S. is recommended with extra math preparation, particularly calculus and linear algebra.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATH PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
403 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1457
prd138@psu.edu
World Campus
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
403 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1457
prd138@psu.edu
https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-economics-minor