Economics

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Wake Forest Economics students are inquisitive people of diverse interests who benefit from the University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Not only do they learn about the nuts and bolts of economic theory, but more importantly the usefulness of economic theory in managing their personal affairs and dealing with social and political problems.

Did You Know?

Economics has been the fourth most popular major overall and the third in Wake Forest College among graduates over the past 10 years (2015-24).
Economics majors have the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate events such as the National College Fed Challenge, in which teams are given economic and financial conditions in a case-study format and make monetary policy recommendations.
Dr. Robert Whaples is one of the nation’s leading advocates for the eradication of the penny from the U.S. currency system. (Each penny costs 3 cents to make.)

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Economics include:

Economics of Health and Medicine
Applied Econometrics
Game Theory
Behavioral Economics

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

Former Wake Forest economics and mathematical economics majors are in a wide variety of professions. An economics major is excellent preparation for graduate study in law or business as well as economics and public policy. Many graduates go on to graduate school in these and other fields. Others move directly into professions from the undergraduate program.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

Critiquing and diagnosing problems
Trouble-shooting
Analyzing community needs
Problem-solving
Program development
Analyzing public policies
Decision-making
Analyzing manpower requirements
Systematizing/organizing material
Team building
Goal setting

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Clubs & Organizations

Economics students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

Women in Economics
Sports Analytics Club
The Society of Economists
Finance Club
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Club

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Economics majors include:

Actuary
Archivist
Attorney
Auditor
Bank Officer
Budget Analyst
City Planner
Claims Adjuster
Consultant
Controller
Credit Analyst
Educator
Foreign Service Officer
Financial Analyst
International Trade Specialist
Investment Banker
Lobbyist
Statistician
Technical Writer

Generally speaking, a recent Wall Street Journal analysis concluded that Economics majors have the second-highest mid-career salaries of any discipline outside of Engineering.