Micro- or macro-, but constantly changing. Learn why.
How do humans react to abundance and scarcity? How do policy decisions and current events bear on people’s most personal decisions? Major in economics at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll think creatively to grasp how financial, social and government structures intersect with group and individual behavior. Go beyond micro and macro theory to build quantitative, analytical, research and communication skills for a problem-solving future.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in economics who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics.
Areas of Study
Study micro-, macro-, industrial, environmental, health, urban and regional economics. You can take courses in the economics of social issues; government and business; money and banking; public finance; philanthropy; the history of economics; investment analysis; poverty, affluence, and equality; and more.
Career Opportunities
With a thorough understanding of the principles of economics, you could follow UMW alums who now have such positions as president of BetaTau Enterprises, analyst for the Bureau of the Census, CEO of Animators at Law, claims investigator for Geico Insurance, accountant and trader for Sempra Energy Trading Corp., economics teacher in the Peace Corps, investment broker at A.G. Edwards & Sons, and researcher with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Internships
UMW students have benefited from internships with SunTrust Mortgage, Edward Jones Investments, the Washington Capitals, CNN’s Crossfire, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Environmental Protection Agency, Prudential Securities, the First Nations Development Institute, Paine Webber, the Virginia Credit Union, and more.
To receive departmental honors in economics you’ll need at least a 3.5 GPA in the major. You’ll complete an individual study and write and defend an honors thesis during your senior year. UMW also has a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international economics honor society.
Major Requirements
The economics major requires 39 credits, including eight core courses and five electives.
Minor Requirements
An economics minor requires 21 credits, including four core courses and three electives.
Numerous scholarships and awards are available for economics majors. Among them are the James Harvey Dodd Award for a junior economics major based on financial need and academic achievement. The Adam Smith Award is given to a graduating senior based on potential for graduate study. The Fred E. Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a rising junior or senior who is double-majoring in economics and business administration. The Richard George Allgaier Scholarship is awarded to economics and accounting majors. Learn more about economics scholarship opportunities.