AcademicsEconomicsB.S. in economics

Economics is the science of human choice, the study of how scarce resources are allocated among competing uses to satisfy human wants. Since many choices analyzed are made by or affect business decision makers, economics is a unique blend of liberal arts and business. Therefore, the Department of Economics offers an undergraduate major in both the College of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Business. 

Our curriculum focuses on quantitative and data analysis skills, with an eye on applying these skills to business, public policy, and social economic issues. Students who want to combine training in economics with exposure to the business disciplines should consider the major in the School of Business.

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Two Program Options - Business and Humanities and Sciences

Regardless of which option you choose, we'll help you prepare for your career and/or graduate school through a curriculum focused on quantitative and data analysis skills, with an eye on applying these skills to business, public policy and socioeconomic issues. We also help you build and refine your communication skills, preparing you to present your work professionally with confidence.

Economics courses and requirements are nearly identical between the two options. The difference is in the other courses a student takes:

  • Business program students take the Business Foundation and Advanced Core covering a wide array of business topics - great preparation for a business career or pairing with another business major.
  • H&S program students take more liberal arts courses and have a lot more electives - great for exploring varied interests or crafting a double major outside of business.

Career opportunities

Undergraduate work in economics is excellent preparation for careers in business, government and teaching, as well as for graduate work in economics and professional schools such as law, public administration and medicine. Specialization in economics prepares students for careers that emphasize analytical thinking, a broad understanding of the economy and business organizations, and the costs and benefits stemming from policies implemented by governments and business enterprises.

Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions in management and sales. In particular, the specific skills economics majors acquire provide employment opportunities in large organizations that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data.


Careers in the field:

  • Budget, Financial or Public Policy Analyst
  • Analyst
  • Information Scientist
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Journalist
  • Loan Officer
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Regulatory Affairs Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Statistician
  • Technical Writer
  • Underwriter
  • Urban Planner

Alumni employers include: 

  • Banks
  • Business consulting firms
  • Local and federal government
  • Federal Reserve Bank
  • Public policy organizations
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  • I chose VCU because of the academic learning environment and diverse community. Specifically, I chose VCU School of Business because they offer great resources to us as students. I decided to major in economics after taking my principles classes because the framework we are taught to think with compliments the way I analyze situations. I like the multiple applications economics has in various fields.
    Jacob W
    Class of 2019
  • I’ve always felt that I need to contribute to making the country a better place. Economics seemed like the right choice to do that.
    Muhemmed Salman
    B.S. in economics, 2016