Major in Economics

Why Major in Economics?

• Do you consider yourself detail-oriented and analytical? Do you enjoy utilizing critical thinking to understand complex systems? Belmont’s economics programs will encourage your curiosity and help strengthen your quantitative, oral and written communication skills.
• While at Belmont, you will interact with economics faculty who possess an array of industry experience, secure internships in a plethora of industries, and be charged to explore your purpose so that you may solve the most pressing economic and social concerns.
• You have options when studying economics at Belmont. You may want to pursue the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree path where you will receive a broad business education. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree option is more liberal arts in nature and incorporates a minor in business or another area of interest and serves those interested in business, politics or policy on a global scale.
• Graduates of the economics program have advanced to working in consulting firms, governmental agencies, the private sector and education. Nashville’s thriving business community is outside Belmont’s front doors, and our faculty and staff will work with you to ensure you are positioned for success. However you plan to use your Belmont economics degree, we are confident you will create a life of fulfillment and purpose.
• Our focus on experiential learning provides a solid foundation for what is to come in the professional world. Undergraduate students are encouraged to get involved with our student-run ventures, business hatcheries, Financial Information Center, internships and student organizations to apply learning and gain experience outside of the classroom.
• In addition to providing an excellent foundation for graduate school, a background in economics is very beneficial for business and community leadership roles. Opportunities for economists exist in private industry, consulting firms, governmental agencies and education. Notably, the demand for workers who have knowledge of economics is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

What You'll Learn 

• Basic operation of a market economy
• Banking system, fiscal, monetary and supply-side economic policies
• Behavior of individual decision-making units
• Demand and supply analysis
• Market structures and resource allocation

Curriculum
The economics major leads to the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) and requires a total of 128 credit hours of coursework:

• BELL core requirements: 50 hours
• Business courses: 35 hours
• B.B.A. core technical requirement: 3 hours
• Major area: 18 hours
• Major electives: 12 hours
• General electives: 22 hours

Career Possibilities

• Budget Analyst
• Budget analysts help companies and organizations keep their finances on track. They prepare budgets and develop forecasts based on past spending and economic trends.
• Economist
• Economists study the ways a society uses scarce resources such as land, labor, raw materials and machinery to produce goods and services. They analyze the costs and benefits of distributing and consuming these goods and services.
• Financial Analyst
• Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
• Market Research Analyst
• Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.
• Actuary
• An actuary is a business professional who analyzes the financial consequences of risk. Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to study uncertain future events, especially those of concern to insurance and pension programs.
• Healthcare Economist
• International Economic Development
• Decision Scientist
• Public Relations Strategist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Infrastructure Economist
• Global Policy and Research Associate
• Legislative Director
• Economic Consultant
• And more...