Economics

About the Major

Economics is an analysis of issues such as inflation, unemployment, monopolies, and economic growth. You will learn about how the economic system works and study theory, policy, and trends. This major provides a broad view of national and international business conditions and explores ways to deal with economic problems of society and the individual. It proves an understanding of production, distribution, and consumption of goods. You will gain a firm grounding in theory and exposure to problems in business, nonprofit, and government agency environments (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Skills and abilities this major develops include: understanding economic concepts, technical writing, problem solving, statistical analysis, and research (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service Learning

We believe strongly in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. If you want to make a difference, too, you have a home here.

Career Services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career path--like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni and recent graduates.

Study Abroad

Choose among programs in 50+ countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are available

Opportunities After Graduation

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2017), job growth for economists is predicted to be 6% from 2016 to 2026. Job prospects should be best for those with a master’s degree or a Ph.D. with related work experience. However, IUPUI economics bachelor degree holders have many opportunities in the private industry, especially in management, scientific, and technical consulting services.

For the May 2019 graduating cohort, the average starting salary for IU School of Liberal Arts graduates from IUPUI was $38,937, and the median salary was $36,350. The median starting salary for liberal arts graduates who majored in economics was $62,000 for the class of May 2019, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2020).

(This section is intended for information purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Economics majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: education, marketing, statistics, economics, public administration, philanthropy, nonprofit management, or law.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Micro and macro economics
Introduction to statistical theory in economics
Mathematics
Money and banking
Current economic issues
International economics
Urban economics

Possible Careers

Accountant*
Actuary*
Attorney*
Business analyst or consultant
Marketing analyst
Labor relations specialist

*These careers require additional education or training.

Where could I work?

Banking, finance, or insurance
Consulting
Eli Lilly and Company
Education
IUPUI
Research and development services

Complementing Interests

IInvestigative

EEnterprising

SSocial

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

IU School of Liberal Arts

Department of Economics

National Association of Business Economics

American Economic Association

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

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