Economics Major | Truman State University

Economics Major (BA, BS)

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A bachelor’s degree in economics at Truman provides you with a toolkit for thinking about the world around you. Learning to focus on life’s questions from a variety of viewpoints enhances your ability to analyze complex data, a skill that’s increasingly valued in a data-driven world. You examine economic theory, behavioral incentives, ethical challenges, and trade-offs in settings such as labor supply, consumption patterns, health care choices, and energy use. Since you can apply what you learn to so many subjects, many economics students complete a double major.

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Career Paths

This versatile major opens the door to a variety of career options and is excellent preparation for law school, an MBA, and many other professional careers. You also build a strong foundation for furthering your studies in finance, mathematics, actuarial science, healthcare administration, and more.

Notable employers:

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
Boeing
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Missouri Public Service Commission
Wells Fargo
United States Agency for International Development

Notable graduate and professional schools:

Johns Hopkins University
Michigan State University
University of Illinois
University of Missouri
Washington University in St. Louis
University of California – Berkeley
Duke University
University of Chicago

100%

of economics majors complete research

number of students in this major

65%

of economics majors enter the workforce directly

35%

of economics majors attend graduate school

100%

of faculty have a terminal degree

Featured Courses

Principles of Economics

Learn the terms, tools, and concepts basic to modern economic analysis covering topics including supply and demand analysis; consumption, production, and cost theories; externalities, public goods, and government response; national income accounting, productivity, and economic growth; labor markets and employment; economic fluctuations and monetary and fiscal policy; and finally international trade.

Econometrics

Explore the theories, techniques, and applications of econometrics with a focus on the assumptions and methods of estimation; on hypothesis testing and on the forecasting of economic regression models.

Linear Regression/Time Series

Study simple and multiple linear regression, correlation, and time series.

History of Economic Thought

Learn about the development of economic thought from past to present with a focus on the analytical innovations in economic thought, beginning with the Greeks and extending to contemporary thinkers.

Natural Resources Economics

Examine some of the major problems associated with the use and conservation of natural resources and environmental quality, the relationship of the political-economic system to environmental and natural resource problems and possible solutions to resource and environmental problems.

International Trade Theory and Policy

Explore the basis for international trade by focusing on traditional trade theory: Ricardian and Heckscher-Ohlin models, growth and technological change and factor mobility. Other topics of discussion include commercial policy, economic integration, and the relationship between trade and economic growth and development.

Research

You can work with an economics faculty mentor for in-depth exploration of a topic of your choosing which can lead to better advising and more personalized and detailed letters of recommendation.

About Research Opportunities

Internships

Departmental internships provide the chance to further develop both your critical-thinking and networking capabilities.

About Internships

Study Abroad

At Truman, you can take advantage of both solo and faculty-led study abroad opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. All economics majors are encouraged to pursue study abroad, especially if you're interested in international business or foreign policy.

Study Abroad Opportunities