Economics, B.S.
Gain a more quantitative preparation in economics for the future.
About the Bachelor of Science in Economics
The Department of Economics in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.S. in Economics. Students gain a broad understanding of the field of economics as well as skills in statistics, mathematics, research methodology, and communication.
Economics majors can choose from two optional emphases:
- Financial Economics
- Law and Economics
B.A. vs. B.S. in Economics
- The Bachelor of Arts in Economics gives a social science perspective on the questions of economics. This degree prepares students for many positions in business and government. It is more flexible to allow for combining the study of economics with other areas, and includes a requirement for a minor field of study.
- The Bachelor of Science in Economics requires additional coursework in mathematics and statistics, as well as more quantitative economics classes. It is a more quantitative degree that is more suitable for those preparing for graduate study and/or employment in the rapidly growing technical sector of the U.S. economy.
The Value of an Economics Degree
The economics majors helps develop analytical skills, a strong quantitative background, as well as clarity and precision of expression. Knowledge of the operations of complex economic systems and their institutions provides skills applicable to a wide variety of careers.
Related careers to economics include aactuary, policy planner, lawyer, stockbroker, bank examiner, labor relations specialist, venture capitalist, cost analyst, market research analyst, development officer, controller, financial planner, marketing manager, chief financial officer, and insurance analyst.
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
B.S. in Economics
Emphases
Financial Economics ;
Law and Economics
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree Requirements
Find out about credit hour and course requirements for the B.S. in Economics.
Students in the College of Liberal Arts earning the B.S. degree have a common set of 36-38 hours of general education. The specific courses taken to complete the categories of general education may differ between majors.
Categories of General Education:
- First Year Writing I, II
- English Literature Survey
- Fine or Performing Arts Appreciation
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
To see the details for these general education requirements, visit the UM online catalog or the degree sheet attached at the top of this webpage.
Students in the B.S. in Economics complete 42 credit hours of economics courses and 9 credit hours of mathematics courses. They also complete 18 credit hours of Related Subjects.
- Econ 202: Principles of Microeconomics
- Econ 203: Principles of Macroeconomics
- Econ 398: Intermediate Microeconomics
- Econ 399: Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Econ 402: Econometrics
- Econ 403: Mathematical Economics
24 credit hours of economics electives with at least 6 credit hours at the 500 level. See economics courses in the online catalog.
9 credit hours of mathematics courses
- Math 261: Calculus I
- Math 262: Calculus II
- Math 375: Intro to Statistical Methods
18 credit hours of Related Subjects from
- Computer Science
- Mathematics (not Math 267, 268)
- Finance
- Political Science
The Financial Economics emphasis provides students a well-rounded background in monetary and financial institutions as well as the various different types of financial instruments that populate modern financial markets. The emphasis will not only teach students about corporate finance, portfolio theory, and asset pricing, but also about monetary and financial history and institutions. Students develop quantitative economic reasoning skills that prepares them for a career in policy, banking, and research.
Students complete 15 credit hours (5 courses) of economics:
- Econ 303: Money and Banking
- Econ 369: Bitcoin and Monetary Economics
- Econ 402: Econometrics
- Econ 409: Computational Macroeconomics
- Econ 410: Financial Economics
- Econ 411: Asset Pricing
- Econ 412: Financial Econometrics
- Econ 425: American Financial History
The Law and Economics emphasis provides a well-rounded education at the intersection of economics and the law in preparation for law school. Students learn to predict the effects of particular legal rules, to explain why particular legal rules exist, and to analyze whether particular legal rules should exist. The law and economics emphasis equips students with the economic tools and institutional knowledge to examine various aspects of the legal system, torts, contracts, property rights, the economics of litigation, antitrust law, and regulation.
Students complete 15 credit hours (5 courses) of economics:
- Econ 307: Applied Price Theory
- Econ 312: Law and Economics
3 courses from:
- Econ 313: Advanced Law and Economics
- Econ 324: Experimental Economics
- Econ 401: Government and Business
- Econ 410: Financial Economics
- Econ 417: Labor Economics
- Econ 503: Industrial Organization
- Econ 505: Public Finance
- Econ 507: Economics of the Family
- Econ 545: Game Theory and Strategic Thinking
- Econ 550: Contract Theory
The minor in Economics is designed to complement majors such as political science, public policy leadership, mathematics, and history.
A minor in Economics consists of 18 credit hours (6 courses) of economics.
- Econ 202: Principles of Microeconomics
- Econ 203: Principles of Macroeconomics
- Econ 398: Intermediate Microeconomics
- Econ 399: Intermediate Macroeconomics
- 6 credit hours of economics courses at the 200-level or higher
Department Opportunities
Video: Get to Know the Department of Economics
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Economics program.
Law School Preparation: Majoring in Economics
Research shows that economics students tend to have higher LSAT scores and have among the highest acceptance rates to law school. Lawyers who were undergraduate economics majors also tend to earn higher incomes.
At the core of the study of market-based economies is the role of private property and private property rights. This creates a natural synergy between the study of markets and the law. Many areas of law require some working knowledge of economics. At the same time, economic analysis can be used to better understand the law. One can examine the economic foundations of property law, torts, criminal law, contracts, and anti-trust.
The Pre-Law Advising Office
The Pre-Law Advising Office will help you every step of the way, no matter your major or the law school of your choice. An example of our services include:
- Recommendations of courses to prepare for the LSAT and law school
- Suggestion of a timeline to apply to law school, including how and when to study for the LSAT, when to take the LSAT, and when to prepare all documents for admission
- Notice of pre-law events and opportunities on and near campus
- Coordination of panel discussions with law school admissions representatives
- Guidance in researching law school options
- Answers to questions related to a law career
- Feedback on your personal statement
- Help with the application process on the Law School Admissions Council (LSAT) website
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?