What Can You Do With an Economics Degree?

The study of economics places students at the juncture of social science, business and social policy. An economics degree from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics produces well-rounded students with a strong understanding of businesses, markets and financial organizations. 

In this major, students explore subjects like the role and impact of international trade, the effect of monopolies on the economy and the problems of unemployment and inflation. Economics majors graduate prepared for careers in the private, public and academic sectors. 

What is economics?

Economics explains the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations based on the production and consumption of goods and services. Economists study the needs and wants of individuals, businesses, governments and nations to determine how resources should be allocated.

The two major aspects of economics include macroeconomics, which focuses on the behavior of the collective economy, and microeconomics, which concentrates on individuals and businesses. 

What is the difference between an economics B.A. and B.S.?

Choosing the right degree depends on a student’s strengths. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) economics students incorporate foreign language into their studies, while Bachelor of Science (B.S.) economics majors focus on demonstrating proficiency in mathematics and quantitative skills. Apart from the variation in math and language requirements, the degrees are identical. 

Is economics a good career?

Students who receive a bachelor’s degree in economics have the chance to continue their education or start a full-time position. Careers in economics offer a wide selection of job titles and settings, making it possible to find the most suitable job for any graduate. 

Those choosing to further their education can receive a master’s degree in economics or pursue various educational, business or legal fields. Lerner offers a master’s degree in economics & entrepreneurship for educators for those wishing to influence k-12 economic education.

How much can you make with an economics degree?

After graduating in 2020, 94% of Lerner’s B.S. economics majors were employed and earning a median starting salary of $60,000 or pursuing further education. 97% of Lerner’s B.A. economics graduates were employed and earning a median starting salary of $47,500, or pursuing further education. 

What companies are hiring economists?

While there are many options for economics graduates, the top employers of Lerner’s B.A. and B.S. economics graduates include, but are not limited to:

  • Amazon
  • AstraZeneca
  • Barclays
  • Citi
  • Conair
  • Cooper Horowitz
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Economics degree job titles

Job titles of recently graduated economics majors from Lerner include, but are not limited to:

  • Actuary
  • Consultant
  • Economic consultant
  • Economist
  • Environmental economist
  • Financial analyst
  • Insurance underwriter
  • Investment analyst
  • Investor relations associate
  • Management consultant
  • Market research analyst
Lerner Students Host Newark Live 2024 Hospitality Event in Trabant

Five students in the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics ran the highly successful hospitality event, Newark Live 2024, held in the Trabant Student Center multipurpose rooms on December 3. Newark Live is a yearly event run by...

Lerner Welcomes New Faculty: Yuanchen Su

This year, the UD Alfred Lerner College welcomed several new faculty members into its community. Yuanchen Su is an assistant professor of marketing; she spoke with Lerner about her research focus and what made her want to teach at University of Delaware. Lerner: What...