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What Can You Do With an Economics Degree?

Economics integrates concepts from business, math, data science, and social sciences into one academic discipline. An economics degree can help you develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of economic principles.

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Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics can consider roles in law, medicine, international relations, and academia. Students can choose to work at financial companies, banks, consulting firms, non-profits, or even within the government. An economics degree leads to a wide array of industries, job titles, and career paths.

What Is an Economics Major?

The field of economics analyzes how resources move within the market. They explore what resources make up the market and how incentives change the behavior of people within the system. Economics can analyze global, national, and local markets, often referred to as macroeconomics. It can also analyze organizations and individuals, often referred to as microeconomics.

Which Skills Will You Develop as an Economics Major?

Students can develop a variety of skills, including:

  • Data Analysis
  • Math
  • Reasoning
  • Business Operations
  • Writing
  • Communications
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Problem Solving
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While these skills are important to a wide range of jobs, industries, and employers, Willamette's economics major goes further. Our curriculum challenges students to reason and think independently, we also provide the opportunities students need to apply those skills. Find powerful internships, participate in guest lectures, or build strong connections with our economics faculty members.

What Courses Can You Expect to Take?

Students can expect to take courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics. At Willamette, we offer a wide variety of course options to choose from. We have courses about gig work, identity economics, economic statistics, income inequality, gender and race, forecasting, and the history of economic thought. Our economics courses span across other academic disciplines to help students gain a well-rounded understanding of resource management.

Willamette focuses on hands-on learning. We offer academic credits for internships and independent study, and connect students with opportunities to learn what it's like to work in a role related to economics. Our campus is steps away from the State Capitol, offering a unique opportunity to experience internships in government, business, and non-profit organizations.

Career Paths: What Jobs Can You Get by Majoring in Economics?

An economics degree is applicable to a wide range of industries and titles.

Students can pursue a variety of jobs and industries that speak to them. It's important to research job growth, requirements, and even salary data to find the right fit. The income listed above is the median pay throughout the entire United States, but salaries can be different depending on the state, industry, and even job title.

Do You Need a Graduate Degree in Economics?

While some students pursue graduate degrees, it is not necessary to find a great career. Some roles will require additional education, but many roles are available to those with just a bachelor's degree.

Postgraduate degrees can offer an advantage if you want a career in a competitive area. They can also help you enter specific industries related to economics.

Depending on their chosen career path, students should learn if a graduate degree is required. Willamette's career advisors can walk students through career paths to determine if a graduate degree would be recommended.

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Why Choose Willamette for Your
Economics Degree?
    1 /
    Build a Network

    Willamette is large enough to help you make connections but small enough to provide one-on-one support. Our graduates have worked with senators to pass important bills, become directors at banks, and worked on data that has impacted sustainability and sports. Join a community that will help you navigate the transition from education to career.

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    2 /
    Exposure to Other Disciplines

    Willamette is a liberal arts college, emphasizing an education across different disciplines. For those interested in studying economics, it's easy to take courses in related fields from experts in those disciplines.

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    3 /
    Central Location

    We're located steps away from the State Capitol. Students can consider interning with governmental agencies and embracing a variety of roles within economics. Other universities and colleges are situated farther away from government agencies, which limits the experience and connections a student can build during their education.

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    4 /
    Personalized Support

    Willamette students have unparalleled support. Speak with the career planning team about building your role or connect with peers and start your own club on campus. Consider studying abroad at another economics school or pursuing a dual degree that tailors your resume to the job market.

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Economics