Economics The University of Arizona

Overview

Economists study how scarce resources can be efficiently allocated to produce the maximum number of goods and services. Economists conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends and develop forecasts. 

They apply economic theory to endeavors such as banking, finance, manufacturing, education, law, international trade, labor, insurance, agriculture, health, criminal justice, energy, natural resources and telecommunications.

The field of economics provides a framework for analyzing and solving problems that arise from scarcity. Public issues—inflation, unemployment, budget deficits and environmental pollution, for example—as well as individual and business decision-making, are examples of the economist's work.

Students in the Economics discipline at The University of Arizona, which emphasizes the key role of economics in social science, have a lot of flexibility in their upper division elective course offerings and when it comes to adding additional majors or minors to their undergraduate program.

Career Opportunities

Given the analytical nature and diversity of the discipline, economics provides a solid background for many jobs and professions. The study of economics also offers excellent preparation for advanced education in business, law, economics, finance, public policy, international relations and medicine.

Economists work in government, business and education.

• Government economists monitor and assess economic conditions and provide economic analysis to guide governmental programs and policies.
• Business economists provide the analysis required to make optimal decisions in all major aspects of business activity.
• Academic economists, in addition to teaching conduct research and may act as consultants to business and government agencies.

A bachelor's degree in economics is sufficient for many entry-level research, administrative, consulting and management trainee jobs. However, to work as an "economist" one generally has to have an advanced degree. 

Candidates for a graduate degree in economics should have a strong mathematics background with courses in differential, integral and vector calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, statistics and econometrics. Graduate training is required for some positions and for more rapid advancement.

Since Finance is a sub-field of Economics many students pursue a career in finance. Opportunities include:

• Corporate Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Portfolio Manager
• Security or Investment Analyst
• Sales and Trading Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Insurance Underwriter
• Insurance Agent
• Real Estate Developer
• Real Estate Broker