Undergraduate Programs
Economics, BSBA
Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and governments make decisions, and how those decisions shape markets and society. At Haslam, you can build the rigorous, analytical skills that are valued across business, government, and graduate study.
Economics
Program Overview
Economics is a broad social science, and at its heart is the effort to understand how people, firms, governments, and other actors make decisions, and how they interact in markets and beyond. That understanding is built through both theoretical models of behavior and rigorous data analysis. Economic models help explain how a company’s choices affect its profits, how public policy affects different groups and social welfare, why economic activity contracts in a recession, and much more.
At Haslam, economics is one of the college’s nine undergraduate majors. It is offered through both the Haslam College of Business, as a BSBA, and the College of Arts and Sciences, as a BA, with core requirements in microeconomics and macroeconomics and a substantial slate of upper-division courses and concentrations.
Economics
Why Study Economics?
One of the Most Versatile Degrees You Can Earn
Economics builds a rigorous, analytical way of thinking about decisions, incentives, and trade-offs, and that skill transfers to almost any field. It is also strong preparation for graduate and professional school, which is part of why the major is such a common route into law and business programs.
Concentrations, Real Research, and an Accelerated Master’s
The major offers concentrations in areas such as business economics, econometrics and data analysis, and economic policy, so students can build real depth in the direction that fits their goals. Department faculty conduct applied research through the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, whose work informs state and business policy. Qualified students can also earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years through the department’s 4+1 accelerated program.
Economics Student Spotlight
Ivan Delgadillo
Ivan Delgadillo is a Volunteer every day, in name and in action. While managing a double major in economics and finance, the junior from Winchester, Tennessee, also lends his time to create a welcoming environment on campus and in the community.
Economics
Career Opportunities
A bachelor’s degree in economics at Haslam gives students wide scope to choose their courses and fields of concentration. One student might build a deep understanding of business strategy while another focuses on how public policy affects the environment, health, and inequality. The tools of economics are valuable in work as varied as consumer marketing, political advocacy, and sports analytics, and they provide a framework for understanding a constantly changing society.
The analytical skills you develop in the program are useful for careers in banking, finance, research, and technology. Graduates have gone on to work in banking, politics, nonprofits, and government service, as well as further study in MBA programs, law school, and advanced degrees in business and economics. Research suggests economics majors perform better on the GMAT than other social science or business graduates, and earn higher LSAT scores.
99%
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
$59,020
Average economics graduate salary
Job Examples
Economist
Economists analyze how money flows through society, combining advanced statistical methods with factors like political stability and environmental sustainability to shape policy. They often work in academia, government, or think tanks.
Analyst
Economics analysts use strong quantitative skills to gather and interpret data, identifying economic trends and market conditions that affect business decisions. They often work for private companies, regional governments, or financial institutions, examining taxes, employment, inflation, and energy costs.
Economic Development Specialist
Non-profit
Economic development specialists plan, design, and implement strategies to grow local economies, working with community members, fostering local business growth, and identifying market opportunities. They typically work for a local government, business incubator, or nonprofit focused on a sector such as tourism or the environment.
Research Assistant
Government
Research assistants obtain, compile, organize, and analyze economic data to inform policy decisions. Their work helps improve outcomes for individuals, families, neighborhoods, and regions, and economic analysts are in demand across government agencies, from energy and the environment to the Federal Reserve System.
Majoring in Economics
You can major in economics through either the Haslam College of Business or the College of Arts and Sciences. Beyond the core requirements in microeconomics and macroeconomics, students build depth through upper-division coursework and a choice of concentrations, preparing for many different careers.
Required Courses
- Intro Microeconomics (ECON 201, 211, or 217)
- Intro Macroeconomics (ECON 213 or 218)
- Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 311)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 313)
Concentrations
- Econometrics and Data Analysis Concentration – Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences)
- Economic and Community Development Concentration – Public Affairs Major, BS in Public Affairs
- Economic Policy Concentration – Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences)
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences)
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences) – Five-Year BA/MA Program
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences) – Business Economics Concentration
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences) – Econometrics and Data Analysis Concentration
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences) – Economic Policy Concentration
- Economics Major, BA (Arts and Sciences) – Honors Concentration
- Economics Major, BS in Business Administration – Business Analytics Concentration
- Economics Major, BS in Business Administration – Collateral Option (Business Administration)
- Economics Major, BS in Business Administration – Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (Business Administration)
- Economics Major, BS in Business Administration – International Business Concentration (Business Administration)
- Economics Major, BS in Business Administration – Traditional Option (Business)
4+1 Accelerated Program
The Department of Economics and Department of Finance offer a five-year bachelor’s-to-master’s program for qualified students. Students first earn a BA in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences, a BSBA in economics through Haslam, or a BSBA in finance through Haslam, then complete a master’s the following year.
Economics
Admissions & Aid
Economics is an undergraduate major within the Haslam College of Business. First-year and transfer students apply through Haslam’s admissions process, then declare the major once enrolled. The resources below cover how to apply, what the degree costs, and the scholarships and financial aid available to Haslam students.
Scholarships
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Awards include college and departmental scholarships. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.
Need More Information?
Ready to learn how Haslam College of Business can advance your career? Contact us and we’ll be in touch with program details and next steps.