Economics

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Program description

As an economics major, you’ll gain an understanding of markets, analyze public policy topics and apply problem-solving skills to current events. From our gateway course to our capstone programs and all stops in between, you’ll build networking connections, become an active listener and develop the analytical and communication skills valued by employers. Our curriculum focuses on quantitative and data analysis skills, with an eye on applying these skills to business, public policy and socioeconomic issues. We also help you build and refine your communication skills, preparing you to present your work professionally with confidence.

Career opportunities

Undergraduate work in economics is excellent preparation for careers in business, government and teaching, as well as for graduate work in economics and professional schools such as law, public administration and medicine. Specialization in economics prepares students for careers that emphasize analytical thinking, a broad understanding of the economy and business organizations and the proper choice of policies by governments and business enterprises. Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions in management and sales. The specific skills they acquire also provide employment opportunities in large organizations with departments that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data of special interest to the organizations.

Change of major requirements

Email Katina Velentzas at kvelentzas@vcu.edu to schedule an advising appointment to discuss major requirements and submit a change of major request.

Bachelor-level job titles

Budget Analyst
Economist
Financial Analyst
Information Scientist
Intelligence Analyst
Journalist
Loan Officer
Market Research Analyst
Personal Financial Advisor
Regulatory Affairs Analyst
Statistician
Technical Writer

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Economics

Plan of study in Bulletin

Economics

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
STAT 210 or SCMA 301

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5 cumulative GPA to declare, 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate, 2.0 major GPA to graduate

Contact information

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Invalid campus

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301).
Consider applying to the Honors College before you have earned 60 credits.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create a LinkedIn profile and start networking.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor, to help you identify and schedule pre-professional experiences.
Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Be prepared for a challenging year of economics and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
Cultivate relationships with professors who can serve as references by attending their office hours.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break or become a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Investigate spending a summer abroad with the Global Education Office.
Consider learning a language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Career Services to have it reviewed.
Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.
Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
Join related professional organizations such as the Economics Club.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
Take ECON 300, ECON 301, and ECON 302.
Earn no less than a C average to meet graduation requirements.
Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
Conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Schedule a time to meet with the chairwoman to discuss post-VCU career opportunities and graduate school options.
Gain additional professional skills on Lynda.com.
Use HireVCURams to apply to part-time jobs, internships, externships to gain practical and relevant experience.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Create a job or graduate school search strategy by researching potential employers and schools.
Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond.
Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Take the economics capstone.
Make sure you have a total of five upper-level economics electives to satisfy degree requirements.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career Expand your network.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year.
Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Schedule a mock Interview with Career Services.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Consider trying out for the Fed College Challenge with Dr. Korenok.
Complete at least one internship during your senior year in ECON 493.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete major specific job search activities.
Get ready for the Career Fair.
Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps beyond graduation.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Economics

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression. Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301). Consider applying to the Honors College before you have earned 60 credits.	Create a LinkedIn profile and start networking. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events! Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs. Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.	Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office. Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources. Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study. Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor, to help you identify and schedule pre-professional experiences. Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility. Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Be prepared for a challenging year of economics and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead. Cultivate relationships with professors who can serve as references by attending their office hours.	Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA). Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break or become a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.	Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week. Investigate spending a summer abroad with the Global Education Office. Consider learning a language to open doors to international organizations and future study. Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.	Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Career Services to have it reviewed. Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year. Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.	Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement. Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center. Join related professional organizations such as the Economics Club.
Experience	Year 3	See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework. Take ECON 300, ECON 301, and ECON 302. Earn no less than a C average to meet graduation requirements. Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed. Conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492.	Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. Create and complete a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.	Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office. Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.	Schedule a time to meet with the chairwoman to discuss post-VCU career opportunities and graduate school options. Gain additional professional skills on Lynda.com. Use HireVCURams to apply to part-time jobs, internships, externships to gain practical and relevant experience.	Create a job or graduate school search strategy by researching potential employers and schools. Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Take the economics capstone. Make sure you have a total of five upper-level economics electives to satisfy degree requirements.	Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career Expand your network. Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year. Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.	Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Schedule a mock Interview with Career Services.	Consider trying out for the Fed College Challenge with Dr. Korenok. Complete at least one internship during your senior year in ECON 493.	Complete major specific job search activities. Get ready for the Career Fair. Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps beyond graduation. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.