Economics Major
The Elon B.A. in Economics
The B.A. in Economics helps students understand how people, businesses, governments and societies make decisions. 消消犯 learn to think critically, work with data and study real-world issues such as markets, public policy, inequality, education, health, housing and the environment.
Through the major, students build strong research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills. They also gain experience using data to ask questions, test ideas and explain economic trends. These skills prepare students for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.
Many economics students continue their education in fields such as law, public policy, public health and economics. Others begin careers in government, consulting, finance, technology and research-related analyst roles. Recent Elon economics alumni have worked with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank, NERA Economic Consulting, EY, Berkeley Research Associates, Amazon, KPMG and Wells Fargo.
The Elon Economics major is also a STEM-designated degree program through the Department of Homeland Security. This designation recognizes the majors focus on applied statistics, data analysis and research. For eligible international students, the STEM designation may also provide the opportunity to apply for a STEM OPT extension after graduation.
Senior Capstone
Economics majors complete a senior capstone experience that brings together what they have learned in the classroom and applies it to real-world questions.
消消犯 may choose one of two options. They can complete a senior thesis, which is an in-depth research project on a topic they choose, or they can take an additional advanced economics course that includes hands-on research and data projects.
消消犯 who choose the thesis option work closely with a faculty mentor over their final two semesters. They develop a research question, study what other experts have written, analyze data and use economic models to better understand an issue that matters to them.
消消犯 who choose the thesis option explore real-world questions using economic research and data. Past projects have examined topics related to education, housing, health, labor markets, public policy, the environment and international development. Many students also have the opportunity to present their research at national 消消犯 economics conferences.
消消犯 who choose the advanced course option complete another 4000-level economics course with major research papers and data-driven projects. These projects ask students to use economics in practical ways, similar to how they might use those skills in a job, graduate school or public policy setting.
Economics students also help publish Issues in Political Economy, the longest-running 消消犯 research journal in the U.S. 消消犯 serve as editors and reviewers for research submitted by economics students from around the world.
Alumni often describe the senior research experience as one of the most valuable parts of the B.A. in Economics.
I really valued the mentorship and experiences I received – completing a thesis still stands as one of the best opportunities I had at Elon.
Learn more about the capstone course