Economics

Overview

Economics is a social science that examines the decision-making process regarding the use of scarce resources such as land, raw materials, labor, machinery, physical structures, etc. The program provides specialized study in areas such as:

Money and banking
Economic consulting
International economics
Public finance
Industrial organization
Antitrust policy

Economics students also receive strong training in data analysis, and most upper-level courses involve a project in which students solidify their economics knowledge and research skills. Students develop their programs in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Students pursuing economics at SIUE will also receive foundational knowledge in microeconomics and macroeconomics. The study of microeconomics includes:

Supply and demand
Pricing
Tools utilized to predict the effects of government interventions and regulations on the markets

The study of macroeconomics includes:

Examination of the national economy, including economic growth
Unemployment
Factors that affect inflation
Domestic factors, including monetary and fiscal policies
International factors, including trade and exchange rates

Lawyers, bankers, those working in investment firms, managers of large and small businesses, government planners and journalists find that economics is a useful tool in understanding and solving social, economic and financial problems. The increase in globalization has made knowledge of economics a valuable asset.

What can I do with a degree in economics?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that opportunities for well-prepared economists will grow 13% through 2030. Career opportunities will be best for students with strong analytical skills, related work experience and those who choose to further their education and attend graduate school or pursue a PhD. Although most students will go on to pursue graduate and doctoral education, some entry-level opportunities, primarily in the federal government, are available for those with a bachelor’s degree.

Economists are employed in all areas of private industry; in federal, state and local government agencies; in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank; in labor unions; and in colleges or universities. Professional economists perform duties including:

Market research
Forecasting
Corporate planning
Policy evaluation
Economic impact studies
Consulting

The ability of our graduates to think critically and communicate effectively has helped them become valuable contributing employees in the field of economics. Graduates of the economics program at SIUE (including the graduate program) are employed at: