Bachelor of Arts in Economics
The science behind good business decisions.
Economics is the study of supply, demand, scarcity, and their implications related to the use of resources, production of goods and services, and growth over time. It forms the foundation of how we approach complex societal issues.
Economics as a social science allows us to use analytical reasoning to understand behavioral patterns, policy issues, and business practices. Understanding how decisions are made, how markets work, how rules affect outcomes, and how economic forces drive social systems will equip you to make better decisions and solve complex problems. If you’re intrigued by issues related to economic policies, globalization, climate change, health care, poverty, inequality, inflation, and unemployment, then a degree in economics could be right for you.
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics is a 120-hour program offered to students in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. A minor in economics is also available in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Those students majoring in economics are required to take Economics 2000, 2010, 2035, 4720, and 4710. Other economics courses (at least 30 semester hours) must be chosen with the advice and approval of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences advisor in the Department of Economics.
To graduate with a minor in economics, students in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences must complete Economics 2030 (or 2000 and 2010), 2035, 4720, 4710, and six additional hours in economics.
Students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and the completion of 30 credit hours to be admitted into the program.
Areas of study covered in the program include:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Econometrics
- Economic Growth & Development
- Public Policy
- International Trade & Finance
- Healthcare Economics
- Labor Economics
Empirical Economic Analysis Concentration
A concentration in Empirical Economic Analysis is available to economics and international trade & finance majors. The concentration provides skills in analyzing business and economic data to solve real world problems. See full curriculum.
Career Path
Economics graduates can be successful in a wide variety of industries. While employment in business roles is most common, they are highly sought after in other areas including the public sector, law, nonprofits, international relations, research, and academia.
Career options include:
- Economist
- Financial Risk Analyst
- Financial Planner
- Economic Researcher
- Financial Consultant
- Investment Analyst
The study of economics serves as the foundation for business decision-making. The Department of Economics prepares students for a variety of career paths in some of the world's most influential and recognized companies.
Employers who hire our graduates include:
Southwest Airlines
Halliburton
Ernst & Young
Georgia Pacific
$105,630
Median Salary for Economists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
13%
Employment Growth Outlook for Economists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020-30)
"As a student in LSU’s Department of Economics, I have seen firsthand how much the faculty cares about creating an environment where asking questions is encouraged and challenging yourself is rewarded. So many of the professors I’ve encountered have stood out as impactful for their great passion and willingness to support students outside of the classroom."
— Faith Howard, Class of 2022
Contact Us
Department of Economics
2300 Business Education Complex
501 South Quad Drive
225-578-52117
econ@lsu.edu
Charles Roussel
Economics/ITF Undergraduate Advisor
2304 Business Education Complex S.
225-578-5211
crouss5@lsu.edu
Richard Stahl
Economics/ITF Undergraduate Advisor
2308 Business Education Complex S.
225-578-3793
abyssean@lsu.edu