Economics

Jump to the major map

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

2019-2020

Program description

Economics is the science of human choice, the study of how individuals and businesses allocate scarce resources among competing uses. As an economics major, you’ll gain an understanding of markets and incentives, and learn to evaluate current events and assess public policy. From our gateway course to our capstone programs, you’ll develop the analytical and communication skills valued by employers. Our curriculum focuses on applying quantitative and data analysis expertise to address business, public policy, and socioeconomic concerns. 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 impact firm/government decisions have upon consumers, firms, and the economy as a whole. Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions. In particular, the specific skills economics majors acquire provide employment opportunities in large organizations that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data.

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, Financial, or Public Policy Analyst
Economist
Information Scientist
Journalist
Loan Officer
Personal Financial Advisor
Research Assistant
Statistician
Underwriter
Urban Planner

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
SCMA 301 or STAT 210 or STAT 212

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

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

Contact information

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301).

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake.
Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services during drop-ins.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Be prepared for a challenging year of economics and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Join VCU's Student Economics Association.
Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
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

Apply for externships through the Economics Department.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.
Join related professional organizations such as the Student Economics Association.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Take ECON 300, ECON 301, ECON 302 and conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492.
Earn at least a C average for graduation requirements. Take summer or intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Actively develop your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending the Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for summer research funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Seek research opportunities to refine goals and learn the discipline required for success.
Try out for the College Fed Challenge.
Update your ePortfolio.
Schedule a time to meet with the chairwoman to discuss post-VCU career opportunities and graduate school options.
Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, externships to gain practical and relevant experience.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Attend the School of Business Career Fair.
Connect with VCU Economics Students and Alumni on LinkedIn.
Have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and career services about graduate school versus a job.
Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond.

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 an economics capstone course (ECON 431, 441, 461, or 489).
Make sure you have a total of five upper-level economics electives to satisfy degree requirements.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Meet with Business Career Services to identify how your foreign language proficiency can be highlighted on your resume.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Complete at least 1 internship in ECON 493.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

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

2019-2020

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	Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301).	Apply to join the Honors College. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.	Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake. Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services during drop-ins. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Be prepared for a challenging year of economics and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.	Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Join VCU's Student Economics Association. Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. 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.	Apply for externships through the Economics Department. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.	Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement. Join related professional organizations such as the Student Economics Association.
Experience	Year 3	Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Take ECON 300, ECON 301, ECON 302 and conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492. Earn at least a C average for graduation requirements. Take summer or intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Create a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.	Actively develop your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending the Intercultural Festival.	Apply for summer research funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Seek research opportunities to refine goals and learn the discipline required for success. Try out for the College Fed Challenge. Update your ePortfolio. Schedule a time to meet with the chairwoman to discuss post-VCU career opportunities and graduate school options. Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, externships to gain practical and relevant experience.	Attend the School of Business Career Fair. Connect with VCU Economics Students and Alumni on LinkedIn. Have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Talk to advisors, faculty, and career services about graduate school versus a job. Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond.
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 an economics capstone course (ECON 431, 441, 461, or 489). Make sure you have a total of five upper-level economics electives to satisfy degree requirements.	Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.	Meet with Business Career Services to identify how your foreign language proficiency can be highlighted on your resume. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.	Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Complete at least 1 internship in ECON 493.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview at Business Career Services. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.