Economics

Economics Degree
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Minor
Program Type:
Major, Minor
Career Path:
Business and Finance
Program Site:
College or School:
Why study Economics?
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.
- Economics has been the fourth most popular major overall and the third in Wake Forest College among graduates over the past 10 years (2016-25).
- 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.)
The Economics degree is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and a minor.
What classes would I take?
Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.
Sample courses that you may take as an Economics student include:
100-200 level*
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Econometric Theory and Methods
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
- Current Economic Issues
300+ level*
- Game Theory
- Market Design
- Behavioral Economics
- Money, Banking, & Financial Markets
- Economics in Sports
* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.
What kind of experience will I gain?
Former Wake Forest 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
Are there extracurricular activities?
Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Economics students participate in the following programs:
- Women in Economics
- Sports Analytics Club
- The Society of Economists
- Finance Club
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Club
What kind of job can I get?
Careers that often interest Economics majors, and fields our graduates work in, 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.
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