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These days, the economy is on everyone’s mind. Studying economics gives you a more thorough understanding and opens doors to countless opportunities in business, public service, and education.
Here at Birmingham-Southern, we make sure every student is prepared for whatever comes next.
Our graduates have gone on to succeed in the banking and investment world; in nonprofit organizations; in government and policy work locally, regionally, and nationally; and in many other fascinating careers.
Interested? Fill out the form to the right and an admissions representative will follow up with you to start your Hilltop journey.
Chart your course with BSC Economics!
Why study Economics at BSC?
- We emphasize the fundamentals so that every single graduate has the groundwork for their next stage in life, whether that’s graduate school or the beginning of a career in business, public service, or education.
- Given the connected nature of the world’s economies, our program has a strong international focus and many opportunities to study abroad, whether that means taking a travel course during Exploration Term, doing a banking internship in Spain, or participating in an exchange with the HES School of Economics and Business in Amsterdam.
- Seniors tackle a research project, conducting primary research under the guidance of faculty and producing a research paper and presentation. Seniors also have a chance to talk with a panel of alumni—including business people in the financial sector, those in the nonprofit world, and college professors—about career opportunities.
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Economics – Success stories
From BSC, your future could take you anywhere. As evidence that our graduates are prepared for a wide range of challenges, here is an informal look at one of our recent graduating classes of Economics majors:
10% entered medical school
30% went to work for financial services companies
10% entered the non-profit sector
50% pursued other fields such as: real estate, theatre, professional golf, and law school“As a student at BSC, the staff and professors were dedicated to giving me the tools to succeed. My professors pushed me to develop my analytical abilities, hone my communication skills, and explore the importance of my class work within the greater context of society. When studying economics and related topics at BSC, I developed an interest in economic development issues and was prepared to step into a leadership position in a statewide nonprofit soon after graduation. Now, whether I am writing, compiling research, working with community partners, or speaking in public, I am reminded daily of the importance of what I learned in class and on campus.“
KATHLEEN SMITH SHELTON ‘10 / Economics
SaveFirst Coordinator at Impact Alabama -
Economics – Learning outcomes
Economics studies how societies use and allocate resources so people can have the necessary things. The focus of economics is on the structure and dynamics of these systems. Economists use theoretical models and quantitative methods to understand decisions made by consumers, producers, workers, employers, investors, governments, and countries. Microeconomics focuses on individual choices while macroeconomics deals with aggregate outcomes.
Students who major in economics will learn how to use essential tools of the discipline, such as theoretical models and quantitative methods. They will also be able to critically evaluate research conclusions. After completing an economics major, students can apply what they learned to various careers or graduate studies in economics, business, public policy, or law.
After completing the economics major, students will be able to:
- Use economic theories to make logical deductions.
- Use data and statistical methods to observe and infer.
- Come up with their own economic research questions.
- Write and speak about economics.
- Understand the usefulness and limitations of different economic models.
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Faculty
Randy Cragun
Visiting Instructor of EconomicsKathleen Greer
Associate Professor of Economics