Economics Major
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About the Major
The economics major is built on a rigorous foundation of the micro- and macro-economic theory needed to understand consumer and firm behavior and the data analysis skills needed to make business and policy–oriented decisions. Writing and critical thinking skills are also a critical part of the curriculum.
Jobs in Economics
- Economic consultant
- Financial services professional
- Government consultant
- Lawyer
- Research economist
Past Elon Economics Internships
- Accordion Partners
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
- PNC Financial Services
- First Citizens Bank
Related Majors
From Fed Challenge to the Federal Reserve
One of the things Emma Leonard valued about Elon University was the freedom to explore a range of subjects while developing her interests in economics. With access to courses across the Love School of Business and the university, she could follow her interests, discover connections and bring new perspectives into her study of economics, shaping an interdisciplinary academic experience.
After taking Principles of Economics with Associate Professor Brandon Sheridan, Leonard found herself drawn to the way economics explains human behavior and decision-making, confirming it was a subject she wanted to pursue. She went on to major in economics and psychology with minors in mathematics and art in 2025. She also pursued experiences that took her far beyond the classroom.
One such experience included Elon’s College Fed Challenge, a team competition where undergraduate students analyze current economic and financial conditions and develop a monetary policy recommendation modeled on the Federal Open Market Committee. This deepened Leonard’s interest and introduced her to applied macroeconomics, monetary policy and collaborative research. From there, opportunities built on one another.
“If it weren’t for the first year of Fed Challenge, then I would not have been so interested in econ,” Leonard said. “Then I wouldn’t have taken a math class, and then I wouldn’t have gotten into the summer program, and then I wouldn’t have had the same ideas for my thesis.”
Leonard also served as an economics teaching assistant, helped develop a peer mentoring program and presented undergraduate research at professional conferences. Those experiences prepared her to step directly from Elon into a research assistant role at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
[Elon] gave me a sense of community and purpose. I really don’t think that I would have found the same passion for economics had it not been for everyone.
Did You Know?
- The Elon Economics major is classified as a STEM designated-degree program by the Department of Homeland Security — a designation that shows the extensive level of applied statistical knowledge, data analytic skills and experience that is developed within the major. Students can choose to major in economics with a concentration in international economics.
- During senior year, economics majors apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in a capstone experience. Students author an original thesis under the mentorship of an economics faculty member, and each year, many of Elon’s top seniors present their research at national undergraduate economics conferences.
- There are many ways for economics majors to get involved at Elon, including the Economics Club; the Economics Honor Society; the Econ Games, a data analytics and research event where students solve real-world problems; the Fed Challenge; and the journal Issues in Political Economy, which is edited and refereed entirely by students, with oversight from university faculty.