This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Economics is the science of human choice, the study of how scarce resources are allocated among competing uses to satisfy human wants. Since many choices analyzed are made by or affect business decision makers, economics is a unique blend of liberal arts and business. Therefore, the Department of Economics offers an undergraduate major in both the College of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Business. The major in the College of Humanities and Sciences is designed for students who desire the flexibility and breadth that is associated with a liberal arts degree. Students who want to combine training in economics with exposure to the business disciplines should consider the major in the School of Business.

Undergraduate work in economics is excellent preparation for careers in business, government and teaching, as well as for graduate work in economics and professional schools such as law, public administration and medicine. Specialization in economics prepares students for careers that emphasize analytical thinking, a broad understanding of the economy and business organizations and the proper choice of policies by governments and business enterprises. Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions in management and sales. The specific skills they acquire also provide employment opportunities in large organizations with departments that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data of special interest to the organizations.

The mission of the B.S. in Economics is to provide undergraduate students with economic knowledge and skills that will enable them to compete successfully in changing regional, national and global economic environments.

Learning goals

  • Critical thinking
  • Quantitative proficiency
  • Communication

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

  • Students will solve key microeconomic problems.
  • Students will solve key macroeconomic problems.
  • Students will be able to interpret and analyze data and express economic relationships using graphs, equations and words.
  • Students will demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Students will be able to employ economic models and data to analyze questions of economic significance.