Economics Degree Options – One Major, Four Degrees
Undergraduate Advisor: Shelby Frost (A – I), Grace O (J – Q), Glenwood Ross (R – Z)
| Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics (B.A.) | Bachelor of Arts with a major in IEML (B.A.) | Bachelor of Science with a major in Economics (B.S.) | Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) |
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| Freshman/Sophomore Years (60 hours) | ||||
| Areas A-E* | Approximately the same requirements across all degrees (identical number of hours required). | |||
| Area F |
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| Junior/Senior Years (60 hours) | ||||
| Major Courses |
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| Minor (B.A. & B.S.) or Business Core (B.B.A.) | Minor: Choose 15-18 hours of classes concentrated in one department other than economics (9 hours must be at 3000/ 4000 level) | No minor required | Minor: Choose 15-18 hours of classes concentrated in one department other than economics (9 hours must be at 3000/ 4000 level) | Business core:
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| Areas H and I |
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* Areas A-F refer to the requirements for the Undergraduate “Core Curriculum” as required by the University. Please check your General Catalogue (in the index under “core curriculum”) for a complete description of the courses required during your Freshman and Sophomore years. (See Georgia State Undergraduate Catalog)
How to Choose? Consider your goals.
There are no hard-fast rules. Clearly, your academic interests should play a key role in your choice of a degree, as well as your choice of a major. Below, is some information based on career goals that may be helpful.
Joining the Workforce
Employers are looking for bright, motivated people who can learn quickly. The best way to signal a potential employer that this describes you is to earn a high GPA, no matter what degree you choose to earn. In addition, involving yourself with extra-curricula activities such as internships can be very helpful.
MA/MS in Economics
About 83% of students entering the MA/MS in Economics program at GSU have a BA or a BS degree. The BS degree, focusing a little more heavily on math than the BA degree, is helpful preparation for graduate-level work.
MS in a specialized business field
60% of students getting a MS in a specialized business field (such as accounting, real estate, and computer information systems) hold a BBA degree.
Law School
Students entering law school typically hold an undergraduate BA or BS degree. For example, of a recent class of students entering GSU’s Law School, approximately 90% had a BA or a BS degree.
MBA
About 40% of MBA students at GSU hold undergraduate BBA degrees. In addition to good grades, work experience is an important plus for admission to an MBA program.
PhD
Almost 85% of students entering the Ph.D. program in economics at GSU held undergraduate BA or BS degrees. However, it is important to note that no matter which degree you choose, it is very important to have the appropriate number of math courses completed (at a minimum, three semesters of calculus). It is easier to obtain the recommended level of math within the 120 hours need for graduation with a BS or BA degree.
What have recent GSU economics majors done??
Recent graduates with BA/BS degrees have accepted positions as: Financial Analyst, Hatfield Philips Incorporated (a real-estate financing firm); Financial Analyst, SunTrust Bank, Inc; General Manager, Def Jam South (recording label). They have also been accepted to Law School at the University of Pennsylvania and to the Ph.D. programs in Economics at the University of North Carolina and GSU.
Recent graduates with a BBA degree have accepted positions with Arthur Andersen (a top-three consulting firm) in their Valuation Services Group and have been accepted to the Ph.D. program in economics at the University of Georgia and GSU.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Call your Student Advisement Center advisor (404-463-9500), or contact the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Office of Academic Assistance (404-413-0021).