Economics is the study of how people manage scarce resources. Economics encompasses a wide range of topics.
Microeconomics (ECO 230) examines the choices and decisions of consumers and firms. Macroeconomics (ECO 231) explores economy-wide issues such as unemployment, inflation, and economic growth and their impact on individuals and firms.
The study of economics combines a high degree of analytical rigor with economic concepts that impart general skills applicable in many areas, including business, government, education, not-for-profits, research, and consulting.
The economics courses required in the College of Business at Eastern Kentucky University focus on applying economic understanding to real-world decision-making. Economics faculty develop applications that will help students make better decisions. The faculty are student-centered. While EKU does not currently offer a major or minor in economics, students can take courses that will enhance critical and analytical skills that are essential to sound decision-making in today’s global economy.
For additional information, see the American Economic Association Resources for Students.
What kind of salary can I earn as an Economist?
What are other colleges and universities telling us about our career prospects?
What can I do with an Economics degree?
Common employers include:
• State or Federal Government
• Non-Profit Institutions
• Schools
• Banks
• Financial Management Firms
• Law Firms
Our graduates are in a number of different careers and job titles:
• Economics
• Business
• Law
• Public Policy
• International Affairs
• Education
• Sports Administration
• Public Health
• East Asian Studies
• Theology
• and other subjects
Our alumni have also gone on to graduate school to study at such schools as:
University of Kentucky, University of South Florida, Washington University (St. Louis), University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Warwick, University of Tennessee, University of Cincinnati, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), North Carolina State University, University of South Carolina, Georgia State University, Louisiana State University, University of Washington, Bowling Green State University, University of Louisville, University of Northern Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kent State University, Regents University, University of Asian Studies, and others.
What are my career possibilities in Economics?
Economics majors have excellent career opportunities, including:
• Actuarial Work
• Corporate and International Finance
• College Teaching
• Economic Consulting with Federal, State, and Local Governments
• Economic Consulting in the private and public sector
• Investment Banking
• Law
• Market Research
• Venture Capital
Career Links
Gardner’s World Economics: Economics Careers
American Economic Association: Careers
What do EKU graduates in Economics have to say?
“I have noticed that whenever a potential employer hears “Economics” as an earned degree, they show improved interest over other business degrees. The point – even if your interests later in life divert to other business fields – an Economics degree is seemingly more powerful than a basic business degree, marketing, or even finance. An Economics degree impresses employers – at least that has been my experience.” – Angela Campbell.
“Pay attention in ECO 420! You’re learning a lot more than you think, and you’ll use the knowledge gained in this course every day!” – Jennifer Shaw-Wilson.
“An Economics degree has allowed me to assist customers in making financial decisions relative to their benefits programs. It has also provided me the financial skills necessary to run a $40M division of my company for the last 12 years.” – J. Kevin Simpson.
“As a commodities trader, my economics education has played an enormous factor (much more than I ever imagined) as I use economic data (demand, supply, marginal cost, etc.) every day to analyze energy markets and execute trades based on this analysis.” – Chris Clark.
“Economics taught me a new way to look at things and helped to make me a better business owner and better martial artist.” – Bryan S. Roberts.
“Economics has given me the thought process to implement efficient and quality programs to increase productivity and streamline operating processes. I find that my degree in economics has prepared me for a field in finance by giving me an understanding of how a micro-level firm operates in a macroeconomic environment, especially given the circumstances and uncertainty that the financial markets have experienced over the past two years. It has been quite a ride that I was well prepared for.” – Rich Moore.
“Economics has given me a base to stand on that will weather the changes in my world. Scarcity in the face of limitless demand has profound meaning to me. Additionally, I like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss more.” – Danny Costanzo.
“The most significant advantage of an Economics degree is the analytical and reasoning skills you develop. These skills are transferable beyond the study of economics. I have found this time and again, in my graduate work at the University of Kentucky, in my career with the Federal Government, and in life in general.” – Brad Trenkamp.
“I use my Economics degree fruitfully as a Process Improvement Professional. I lead projects to analyze, design, and improve processes within our commodity trading business. Learning Economics/Statistics from Dr. O’Conner was very rewarding and greatly leveraged my capabilities to be ‘fast-tracked’ as the first in my company to achieve a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification successfully.” – Dan Nether.
Contact Us Today!
Dr. Cynthia Harter
Professor of Economics
Director of EKU Center for Economics Education