Economics

About the economics major

Economics is an analysis of issues such as inflation, unemployment, monopolies, and economic growth. You'll learn how the economic system works, as well as study theory, policy, and trends.

This major provides a broad view of national and international business conditions and explores ways to deal with economic problems of society and the individual. It proves an understanding of production, distribution, and consumption of goods. You will gain a firm grounding in theory and exposure to problems in business, nonprofit, and government agency environments (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Skills and abilities this major develops: understanding economic concepts, technical writing, problem solving, statistical analysis, and research (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of economists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for economists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for School of Liberal Arts graduates was $44,206, and the median was $38,800.

The national mean starting salary for liberal arts graduates who majored in economics was $62,875 for the class of May 2020, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Economics majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Economics
Education
Law
Marketing
Nonprofit management
Philanthropy
Public administration
Statistics

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Current economic issues
International economics
Introduction to statistical theory in economics
Mathematics
Micro and macro economics
Money and banking
Urban economics

Possible careers

Accountant*
Actuary*
Attorney*
Business analyst or consultant
Labor relations specialist
Marketing analyst

*These careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Banking, finance, or insurance
Consulting
Education
Eli Lilly and Company
IU Indianapolis
Research and development services

Complementing interests

IInvestigative

EEnterprising

SSocial

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Department of Economics

National Association of Business Economics

American Economic Association

Enterprise, Policy, and Planning Cluster

This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.

Learn about the EPP cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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