Economics, Minor

Program Code: ECON_UMNR

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, labor unions, 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).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
ECON 104Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
ECON 302Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course3
ECON 304Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course3
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-level6

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
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.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

https://econ.la.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