A bachelor's degree program in economics includes foundational coursework in the principles of economics and the field's two main branches: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics studies the actions of individual households and firms, and macroeconomics examines economic issues from a broader, economy-wide perspective. Upper-level courses enable students to specialize in particular areas of economics. Specialties include international economics, public finance, business economics, labor economics and development economics.
Economics majors in college also take many courses in mathematics and statistics, which enable them to analyze business, financial and economic data. Because many firms and other organizations emphasize the importance of performance measures and data-driven decision-making, the ability to analyze complex quantitative data is a valuable skill.
In addition to a solid understanding of economic principles and quantitative analysis, a bachelor's degree in economics fosters critical thinking skills and strong communication. Students with economics degrees also need excellent communication skills that convey complex financial and other information in a clear, understandable manner.
A bachelor's degree in economics enables a graduate to pursue a wide range of career options. The economics department at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, notes that graduates can find rewarding careers in business, finance, insurance and consulting. In addition, many government agencies employ men and women with economics degrees. The degree also provides excellent preparation for law school or for graduate study in business, public policy and other areas.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for economists, who generally have graduate-level education in economics beyond a bachelor's degree, will grow more slowly than the average for other occupations. However, the bureau adds that the demand for workers with knowledge of economics will grow faster, with many students holding undergraduate degrees in the field entering careers outside of economics, such as business and finance. In addition, many students with economics backgrounds might find employment as research assistants, public policy analysts or financial analysts.