Why Study Economics?
Why Study Economics?
Economics Goes Beyond Business
Economics is more than just money. From world markets to the groceries we buy, economics impacts every aspect of our lives. Studying economics at CSU will prepare you with the analytical frameworks necessary to understand how the business world impacts people. In comparison to math, which focuses on numbers, or business, which focuses on product, economics is about people and policy.
Economics is a social science that brings together analytical tools and frameworks to understand how humans make decisions, respond to incentives, cooperate, compete, and pursue both individual and collective goals. With this knowledge of human behavior, we can analyze consequences for equity, efficiency, and sustainability. Studying economics can help you move through the world as a more engaged citizen and contribute to a better world.
What Students Say
“Originally, I chose to double major in Economics to reinforce my business degree. However, I really loved Economics’ holistic approach and how I can apply many of the tools I'm learning to other things. The applicability of the degree to other things is, I find, very high. I like getting to learn some of the reasons people make certain decisions.”
—Caleb Posey, class of 2022
“As a first-generation college student at Colorado State University, I am majoring in economics because of the analytical skills, quantitative applications, and versatility of the subject. Studying economics has taught me how to think critically and given me many useful real-world skills."
—Uri Bonilla, class of 2022
“I decided to major in economics because I have a wide range of interests: finance, computer science, writing, history, sociology, and more. The economics major is the ultimate culmination of all these areas, and it sates both my creative side and my methodical side through quantitative and qualitative approaches. To top it all off, the immediate, real-world applications of this discipline are undeniable, and an economics degree will undoubtedly prepare me for a career after CSU.”
— Holly Middleton, class of 2023
What Professors Say
Career Success
An economics education at CSU gives students the tools to develop strong communication and analytical thinking skills that help them be successful in the workplace. Graduates of our economics program go on to apply their degrees in many pathways, including government, business, finance, law, academia, and more. Nationwide, economics majors earn an average starting salary of $56,700 annually, which is higher than majors in business or finance!
Economics or Business? An Undergraduate Degree Comparison
With so many opportunities available, it can be difficult to decide on a major. Many of our students find themselves deciding between economics and business, finance, or accounting. While these programs can prepare you for similar job opportunities, there are importance differences in the focus and outcomes of the degrees. As part of CSU’s College of Liberal Arts, economics goes beyond supply-and-demand to bring in big-picture debates about perspectives and policies.
B.A. Economics
Focus:
Prepares you to think analytically about the world and understand how humans make decisions, respond to incentives, cooperate, compete, and pursue both individual and collective goals.
Typical Courses:
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Econometrics
- Public Policy
- Environment
- Race, Class, and Gender
- Political Economy
- International/Development
Career Pathways:
- Economist
- Consultant
- Analyst
- Lawyer
- Professor
- Researcher
Average Starting Salary* based on full-time permanent employment : $62,000
B.S. Business Administration
Focus:
Prepares you to understand business theory, business practices, and industry trends, such as knowledge and skills in marketing, accounting, and finance.
Typical Courses:
- Accounting
- Business analytics
- Business ethics
- Business writing
- Finance
- Information systems
- Management
Career Pathways:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Supply chain management
- Marketing
Average Starting Salary** based on full-time permanent employment : $51,283
*Source: PayScale
**Sources: CSU College of Business Accounting and Finance
Can I Double Major?
Yes, you can. We believe that a well-rounded economics education is interdisciplinary, and we’ve made our program flexible enough to let you make it your own. That’s why our students are required to choose a second major or minor.
Start Your Journey in Economics
The economics department cares about our students, and we do our best to help you succeed. We offer a bachelor’s degree or a minor. We encourage you to talk with your Academic Success Coordinator and/or contact us to discuss how a degree in economics could be right for you!