Bachelor of Science in Economics
Gain a more quantitative preparation in economics for the future.
About this Program
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.S. vs. B.A.
- 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 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 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:
- actuary
- 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
- insurance analyst
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Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Social Sciences, Law, and Policy
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.S. in Economics
Program Location
Emphases
Financial Economics;
Law and Economics
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
Students in the B.S. in Economics complete 42 credit hours of economics courses and 9 credit hours of mathematics courses.
- 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
9 credit hours of mathematics courses:
- Math 261: Calculus I
- Math 262: Calculus II
- Math 375: Intro to Statistical Methods
24 credit hours with at least 6 credit hours at the 500 level.
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.
To fulfill the financial economics emphasis, students must complete:
- Econ 303: Money and Banking
- 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.
To fulfill the law and economics emphasis, students must complete:- Econ 307: Applied Price Theory
- Econ 312: Law and Economics
3 courses from:
- Econ 324: Experimental Economics
- Econ 401: Government and Business
- Econ 410: Financial Economics
- Econ 427: Labor Economics
- Econ 503: Industrial Organization
- Econ 505: Public Finance
- 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:
- 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
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What can I do with an economics degree?
- President, Medical Assurance Company of MS
- President/CEO, First Guaranty Bank
- Senior Audit Associate, KPMG
- Senior Analyst, PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Vice President, Bank of America
- Principal Rate Analyst, MS Power Co.
- National Account Executive, AT&T
- Senior IT Sales, IBM
- Senior Power Trader, Tenn. Valley Authority
- Founding Chairman, Burson-Marsteller
- Former US Representative: Travis W. Childers
- AidData Manager, Global Research Institute
- Faculty, Texas Tech University
- Partner/Attorney, Balch & Bingham
- Attorney, Butler Snow
- Research Analyst, MS Dev. Authority
- State Auditor, Mississippi
Connect with an Economics major
Ashley Taylor
What are your career goals?
See Ashley’s Answer
Grant McNeer
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
See Grant ’s Answer
Camron Cross
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self?
See Camron’s AnswerMeet a Recent Alum
“I chose UM because it gave me an opportunity like no other university to pursue my economics degree. Since I stepped foot on campus, I fell in love with it. The professors are very passionate about what they teach, which I believe is one of the greatest qualities to have as an instructor.”
Why Major in Economics in Preparation for Law School?
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?