Economics, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Economics is designed to offer the student flexibility in fashioning the major. Students are taught to think critically about typical issues faced in business and social policy and how to analyze their implications. Emphasis is placed on exposing the student to decision-making tools used in a variety of career paths. All economics majors are required to take at least 36 hours of economics courses.

Economics is also considered to be a traditional pre-law degree since students with an economics degree enter law school with well-refined analytical tools and an ability to think critically. The Wall Street Journal has quoted Edward Tom of UC Berkeley School of Law as stating that “of all the majors, economics ranks in the top four or five consistently year after year for both applications and offers made. Logical reasoning and analytical skills are critical to legal studies.” Furthermore, research has shown that economics majors tend to perform well on the LSAT exam. Research published in the Journal of Economics Education reports that of the 14 majors that had more than 2,000 students taking the exam, economics students received the highest average score in both of the time periods studied.

There are three curricular tracks offered for the Bachelor of Science in Economics, each of which has a different emphasis. The first track, Business Economics Concentration, focuses on economics while requiring students to take supporting courses in accounting, finance, computing, and statistical methods. It is designed to prepare students for analytical positions in a variety of businesses.

The second track, the International Economics Concentration, offers a wide-ranging international experience providing students a greater understanding of the global economy. To gain greater international exposure, students are encouraged to complete the International Studies Minor. In addition, Longwood’s Office of International Affairs offers many study-abroad experiences that complement this concentration.

The third track, the General Economics Concentration, provides the most flexibility in both course work and career choices.