Michael R Ranson, Chair
130 FOB, (801) 422-3463
College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Advisement Center
151 SWKT, (801) 422-3541
Admission to Degree Program
All degree programs in the Department of Economics are open
enrollment. However, special limitations apply for teaching
majors.
The Discipline
Economics examines how societies choose to allocate scarce
resources among competing uses. A broad range of contemporary
policy issues are studied in fields such as natural resource and
environmental economics; economic development and growth;
international trade and finance; economic history; the
organization of industries; the development and efficiency of law;
business cycles; labor markets; and public and private finance.
Career Opportunities
Professional economists work in three basic areas: business,
government, and academics. Undergraduates generally pursue
training beyond their BS/BA in economics if they wish to become
professional economists.
Those in business forecast and analyze various aspects of the
economy or of particular markets and most often work for
brokerage firms, business or economic consulting firms,
investment banks, insurance companies, or large manufacturing
firms.
Those in government accumulate, interpret, and analyze
national and international data in support of policy development
and work for agencies such as the U.S. State Department, Treasury
Department, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Office of the Trade
Representative; for state planning bodies and regulatory
commissions; or for international bodies like the World Bank or
IMF.
Academic economists teach and conduct research at colleges
and universities. Entry into these positions requires training at
least as far as the master's level; for the most part, the professional
degree is the PhD.
Undergraduates who are not interested in postundergraduate
study in economics generally pursue one of three options:
graduate training in a profession (e.g., the MBA, MPA, JD, or
MD); employment with a business consulting, economic
consulting, brokerage, or other specialized service provider that
relies to a substantial degree on economic analysis; or
employment with a government agency or entity that relies on
economic analysis and data. In the latter two areas, those with
BAs typically gather and analyze data and provide research
support under the direction of professional staff economists. A
BA/BS in economics is also very good preparation for those
interested in foreign service careers or work with organizations in
economic development, international finance, or actuarial
licensing. Many undergraduates pursue business careers,
including those of finance, marketing, sales, and production.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in
addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following
university requirements:
- The university core, consisting of requirements in general and
religious education. (See the University Core section of this
catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet
university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
- A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
- A minimum of 120 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Undergraduate Programs and Degrees
BA Economics
BS Economics
Minor Economics
Students should see their college advisement center for help or
information concerning the undergraduate programs.
