Economics

If you're passionate about solving society's most pressing problems, consider studying Economics in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC. We'll help you build the foundation you need to look at issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and production needs from a logical and analytical angle.

Economics is the study of how people, firms, and governments make choices to best use scarce resources and respond to incentives. It often involves topics like wealth and finance, but it's not all about money. Economics is a broad discipline that helps us understand historical trends, interpret today's headlines, and make predictions about the coming years.

One of the most attractive features of a degree in economics is the flexibility and versatility it offers. Because economists study decision-making itself, they are in demand by employers in almost every field - from health care to technology, from sports to politics, and practically everywhere in between. In 2018, economics majors were ranked in the top five most in-demand majors by employers, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. 

Economics is part mathematics, part sociology, part psychology, and part clairvoyance. The field attempts to predict future trends and human behavior in an ever-changing world. Economics intersects many disciplines and can complement several other interests. The field's applications include health, gender, inequality, the environment, education, and immigration.

Degrees Offered:

• BSBA: Business Administration: Economics
  • Clear Path Degree Plan
• BSBA Economics: Financial Economics track
  • Clear Path Degree Plan
• BA: Economics
  • Clear Path Degree Plan
• Economics Minor

The BSBA: Economics degree offers students a more specialized education in their major. Students focus mostly on studying their major and consequently have fewer chances to take classes outside of the Rollins College of Business. BSBA stands for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which is the official title of all BS degrees issued within the Rollins College of Business, regardless of major. The Business Administration title is added to the degree name because all BSBA students take common core classes within the Rollins College of Business before focusing on their major.

The BA: Economics degree offers students a broader education along with their major. Students are required to take a variety of liberal art subjects such as humanities, literature, history, social sciences, communications, and a foreign language. Students who choose a BA in Economics will not take the common core classes within the Rollins College of Business.

A Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science are both perceived equally. The degree you choose strongly depends on whether you would like to receive a broader or more specialized education in your major. Take some time to learn about each program you are interested in so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

The economics program also offers a minor. The versatility of economics makes it an excellent complement to other programs. Many disciplines use economic analysis to solve problems, therefore students often find the economics minor is a good supplement to their understanding of the larger world. It is common for students studying business, political science, math, actuarial science, history and criminal justice to choose an economics minor.

The minor allows students to choose any four upper-level economics courses (in addition to two required Principles courses) which promotes customization and cohesiveness with the student's major field. The principles of economics classes qualify under general education, and many majors allow certain economics courses to count towards elective credits, making the minor easier to earn than you may think. Click here to learn more about the Economics minor.

For more details on the major, degree mapping, and how the minor can complement other degrees, please see the:

UTC Economics Informational Pamphlet

Economics Program at UTC:

The primary objective of the economics program is to develop the abilities of students to think critically and logically in their views on economic theories and issues. At the same time, the department focuses upon the study of applied economics, which proves useful in employment opportunities. Regular course offerings include international economics, developmental economics and money and banking, with biennial offerings in comparative economic systems, econometrics, economics of regulation, environmental economics, industrial organization, labor economics, managerial economics, public finance, women in the economy, and urban economics. UTC economics students have achieved notable success in a variety of professions, including business, finance and banking, teaching, and an array of graduate studies including law school, the MBA and MFA tracks, and economics. 

• Join the Econ Club on Facebook to communicate with students majoring in economics or having an interest in economics!

What do economists do?

Economics majors gain versatile skills such as analytical and critical problem solving, inference from data, and written and oral communication. Having these skills opens up employment possibilities in many industries such as banking, energy, government, consulting, healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Using theoretical models or empirical data, economists evaluate programs, study human behavior, and explain social phenomena. Their contributions inform everything from public policy to household decisions. To learn more about economic careers, watch the following video made by the American Economic Association, or read the write-up on what an economics major can do for your career in Peterson.

Is it worth the investment?

Economics majors have one of the highest employment rates and starting salaries of all college majors as of 2019. The field is also predicted to have faster than average employment growth in the coming decade. Economics majors consistently place in the top rankings of the Degrees that Pay You Back scale - with the highest rank of any business degree. The average economics major's mid-career salary is over $100,000 and approximately 36% higher than a business degree. For a full listing of job positions and field salary projections, see our career outcomes section of the website.

Rollins College of Business economics students have achieved notable success in a variety of professions, including business, finance and banking, teaching, and an array of graduate studies including law school, masters degrees, and doctoral programs.

Regular course offerings include:

Contact Information

Head, Department of Finance 
and Economics

Bento Lobo, Ph.D., CFA

434-H Fletcher Hall

423-425-1700

[email protected]

Academic Advising

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All business majors receive academic advising through the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center.

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Career Development

The Career Development staff in the Decosimo Success Center can help with resumes, interviewing skills, and answer questions about internships and employment.

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