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When it comes to studying economics, Elon faculty know that students must do more than memorize theories and concepts. They must also be critical thinkers, keen analysts and astute problem solvers because economists must have the skills to understand a variety of changing conditions — from what drives institutional change to how consumer behavior will change over time.
At Elon, economics courses are designed to help you develop economic reasoning, a particular way of looking at the world that is valuable in government service, business and law, among many other fields. With Elon’s distinctive engaged learning approach, you will develop the poise and confidence essential to success in your studies and in a career. This approach to learning means you will engage not only in your own research, but also work one-on-one with economics faculty in their scholarly endeavors.
“Elon’s economics program gave me the opportunity to develop essential skills that have been extremely valuable in my career as a regulator on Wall Street. This knowledge and experience sets Elon students apart from their competition upon graduation.”
Carla Madeo ’05
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
The Department of Economics, part of Elon’s renowned Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, offers a flexible curriculum that allows you to pursue a double major, enhancing your education and career options. You will learn how to identify and quantify costs and benefits to improve decision making. You also will examine market interactions and learn how to forecast indicators such as inflation and employment rates.
Upper-level courses focus on international trade, public finance and the history of economic thought. As your capstone experience, you will launch an original research project during your senior year, working closely with a faculty mentor.
The Department of Economics has designed six tracks of study, each of which focus on a specific field of interest: financial economics, international economic policy, public policy, economic analysis, mathematics economics, and law and economics.
The Love School of Business is accredited by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the highest possible accreditation in business education.
Research is a fundamental part of Elon’s economics curriculum. After gaining hands-on experience through individual and team projects, economics majors are encouraged to showcase their findings at Elon’s annual Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). In addition, economics students have secured some of Elon’s most prestigious research grants, including the Lumen Prize and the Rawls Fellowship for Undergraduate Research.
Economics majors showcase their research and gain experience as scholars by contributing to Issues in Political Economy, an undergraduate research journal co-edited by students at Elon and the University of Mary Washington. Students also attend annual meetings of the Eastern Economic Association, where they present their original research.
Students also are encouraged to participate in Omicron Delta Epsilon, the economics honor society. The organization helps students develop leadership skills and oversees the economic colloquium, which brings topical speakers to campus.
Exceptional high school students planning to major in economics, accounting or business administration are encouraged to consider Elon’s Business Fellows program, which offers study abroad grants, hands-on consulting experience, special courses and a guaranteed paid internship at a major company among other opportunities. Twenty-five Business Fellows are selected annually. Visit the Elon Fellows programs Web site for more information.
As an economics major, you will learn from and work with dynamic faculty who bring academic and professional experience as well as creativity and enthusiasm to the classroom. The economics faculty are:
“In addition to their enthusiasm and passion for the subject, Elon’s economics professors are committed to challenging and mentoring their students. My experience at Elon has made me a better critical thinker, analyst and researcher.”
Erika M. Lamanna ’09
An economics degree provides a sound foundation for a variety of professions. Recent graduates have pursued careers in insurance underwriting with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Charlotte; in various positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of the Census; and in financial services with firms such as Brown Brothers Harriman in Boston, the Financial Regulatory Authority in New York, and Bank of America and Wachovia in Charlotte.
Recent economics alumni also have pursued graduate study in economics, accounting, finance, management, law and sociology at institutions including:
