2020-2021
Economics
School of Business
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
Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/
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
Graduate and professional level job titles
- College Professor
- Economic Consultant
- Financial Manager
- Policy Advisor
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- ECON 501 or SCMA 302 or STAT 314
- MATH 200 or BUSN 212
Science required
- Core only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
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
Transfer Maps
Contact information
Department name:
Department of Economics
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B3153
Phone:
(804) 828-1717
Email:
econ@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
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 Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301).
- Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
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.
- Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
- Attend two or three School of Business events.
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 Handshake.
- Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in Business Career Services to discuss it.
- Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
- Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.
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 such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
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.
- Make sure to take INFO 165.
- Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center and Studio BE 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.
- Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
- 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.
- Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
- Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & 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 ahead 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.
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, and ECON 302.
- Take summer or intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
- Consider applying for the accelerated 5-year BS to MA degree in Economics.
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 or the Economics Department.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- 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 VCU’s annual 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 department chair to discuss post-VCU career opportunities & grad school options.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- Attend the School of Business Career Fair.
- 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 Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
- Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond.
- Connect with VCU Economics Students and Alumni on LinkedIn.
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, 442, 461, or 489).
- Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
- Take MGMT 434 in your final semester -- be aware of the multiple prereqs!
- Conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492.
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
- Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
- Meet with Business Career Services to identify how the international perspective of your coursework can be highlighted on your resume.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
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 one internship in ECON 493.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- 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.
2020-2021
Economics
School of Business
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Experience | Year 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Year 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Excel | Year 4 |
|
|
|
|
|