Graduates in economics learn tools of analysis and a method of thinking that are applicable to a number of different careers. Economic majors have a variety of employment opportunities in industry, commerce, or public administration.  Individual's with economics degrees include both Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve System.

The economics major is well trained to compete with other business or liberal arts majors.

Economists in Business –

Economists can provide information needed to make decisions on:

Businesses of every type employ economists to undertake specialized economic analysis in evaluating the firm's market position and profit possibilities.  This includes evaluating the potential impact on a business of changes in the federal government's domestic economic policies.

In a global economy, an economist can also help a manager become aware of the implications of international economic events.

Business firms also employ economic graduates to do nonspecialized work in sales and management because business managers believe economic training to be very desirable for these positions.

Economists in Government –

Economists collect and analyze data and prepare studies used to assess economic conditions and the need for changes in government policy.

At the federal level, they help to prepare national economic policy and advise regulatory agencies. They often serve on staff to congressional committees or in congressional offices.

At the state and local level, economists analyze the economic impact of compliance with policies and federal regulations.

Several former AUM economics graduates work as support staff in the Alabama Legislature where their job is to identify the potential economic impacts of proposed legislation.  We also have former students working at the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

Advanced Degrees

M.B.A. – A large percentage of students admitted to the leading graduate schools in business administration have undergraduate degrees in economics.

Law Degree – Most law schools consider an economics degree the most appropriate preparation for studying law, because economics students are trained to think logically orderly and critically. Economics study is fundamental in legal practice because economic regulations can be legally complex, and many legal issues and law suits involve questions of economics. Many prospective economists and lawyers pursue graduate education in both areas. A student can work toward a M.A. degree in economics while attending law school.

Graduate Education in Economics and Business – Students who pursue a graduate degree will learn that their undergraduate training in economics provides an excellent background.
 

Return to Economics Department Home Page


 
 
 
 

Relative Salaries – According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 1998-99 , published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of economists is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Overall, economists should encounter favorable job prospects in manufacturing, financial services, advertising agencies, research organizations, and consulting firms. The continued need for economic analysts, health service administrators, urban and regional planners and environmental scientists, also increases the number of job opportunities for economists.
 

Return to Economics Department Home Page