Economics

Economics studies the production, distribution and consumption of resources at multiple levels ranging from the personal to the global.  Money, markets, banking, employment, and public policy are all aspects of this important field.

About the Major

The Department of Economics offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that studies the foundations of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories and applies them to various contemporary issues and policies. Economics is the social science that focuses on the fundamental problem of scarcity:

• The human desire to possess and consume a level of goods and services beyond the level that can be produced by these scarce resources
• The choices that must be made
• The economic way of thinking addresses this decision-making process

The program is a framework for examining the world in which we live and work and prepares students for entry into graduate work or professional positions in private firms, government or non-profit organizations. Students study and apply theories, principles and policies to subjects such as:

• Urban
• Regional
• International
• Industrial
• labor economics.

A Major in Economics requires 27 semester hours of which at least 15 hours must be completed in economics courses numbered above 300. In addition, students must sit for an oral examination during the last semester of their senior year. The School of Business and Economics also offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Economics through its Managed Academic Path to Success curriculum. A concentration in Economics is available through the International Affairs program.

About the Minor

A minor in economics is available, except for students pursuing MAPS degrees in Stetson School of Business and Economics.

Departmental Honors

Majors may attain Departmental Honors by attaining a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in all courses taken in the major.

Students may become eligible for membership in Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society in economics.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Many study abroad programs are available through the Stetson School of Business and Economics that emphasize issues related to international economics through travel and direct experience. 

Students are encouraged to participate in the Middle Georgia Economic Seminar Series, where economists from regional colleges present the results of research.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Upper level research opportunities are available coordinated in conjunction with the faculty. Research in Economics is a research-oriented course focusing on an important topic in economics not otherwise covered in the School's offerings. The course features student research, independent study, and discussion.

Beyond Mercer

Economics majors are highly qualified to fill a wide range of jobs:

• Business managers
• Public administrators
• Research analysts
• Environmental economists
• Stockbrokers
• Urban and regional planners

An academic background in economics can also serve as a springboard for successful graduate studies. A study in the Journal of Economic Education analyzed law school exam entrance scores of students by undergraduate major and found that economics majors earned the highest average score. Additionally, graduate studies in economics can lead to advanced employment opportunities in industry and government, as well as teaching and research careers in academics.