An economics degree focuses on how supply and demand affect people, businesses, and countries, and it prepares students for a wide range of careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses all over the world. The requirements for an economics degree vary by degree level, but most require students to take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistical analysis, and economic research. An internship, project, thesis, or examination, as well as a grade point average (GPA) requirement, may be part of the program’s final requirements. Another common requirement is a prerequisite degree or diploma.
Prior to beginning coursework, students must usually meet some prerequisite economics degree requirements. While some schools may make exceptions if a student passes certain entrance exams, most associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Students may be required to complete specific math courses in high school and maintain a certain GPA in order to participate in certain programs. A bachelor’s degree, which may or may not be in economics, is usually required for master’s programs, and a master’s degree is often required for doctorate programs. Many schools that offer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in economics also require aptitude tests.
Coursework in business and economics is typically required for all levels of study in economics. General education coursework in the liberal arts and sciences, business, technology, and other subjects studied as electives is also required for associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics, operations research, linear programming, and intermediate and advanced economic theory are all areas of study in economics. Master’s and doctoral programs in economics typically concentrate on advanced topics and may require students to have completed introductory economics courses prior to admission. Courses dedicated to preparing for the thesis or dissertation required to graduate are common in graduate programs.
Most economics programs require students to complete a capstone course, comprehensive exam, thesis, dissertation, or internship to complete their degree requirements. While associate’s degree programs in economics may not require any of these, bachelor’s degree programs in economics frequently require a capstone course that focuses on a project or an internship at a local business. The majority of master’s degrees in economics focus on a comprehensive thesis that the student prepares throughout the program, but some programs also require a comprehensive exam. Comprehensive exams, extensive research, and an extensive dissertation that must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee are all part of a doctorate program. The student will receive his or her economics degree after successfully completing all courses with an appropriate GPA and meeting all final program requirements.