B.A. in Economics

Economics is a social science that seeks to understand human behavior by analyzing how changes in incentives affect the choices individuals and groups of individuals make. The basic challenge of economic decision-making involves satisfying unlimited human wants with limited resources. Exploring this central economic concept becomes even more complex when a specific society?s values, objectives, and institutions are considered. Marymount?s B.A. in economics uses this economic framework to understand a broad range of diverse issues including business operations, environmental policy issues, poverty, law, financial institutions, and international trade, among others. Marymount?s location in the metropolitan Washington, DC area provides the perfect setting for real-time analysis and experience via site visits, internship opportunities, and guest speakers from think tanks and government agencies. Small class sizes allow extensive individual interaction with professors. A degree in economics prepares students for careers in government, consulting, and business. Indeed, average starting salaries for undergraduate economics majors are routinely among the highest among all undergraduate programs. Studying economics also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in law, public policy, international studies, or business. Students majoring in economics will be encouraged by advisors to choose their elective courses with specific postgraduate goals in mind. The economics degree provides ample elective credits for students to explore additional academic interests in fields like business, politics, mathematics, history, English, sociology, philosophy, and psychology. Upon successful completion of the economics program, students will be able to understand economic analysis and use its concepts to provide insight into a wide range of human concerns; communicate economic information and concepts effectively in both written and oral forms of communication; and work effectively as an entry-level research or policy analyst and develop opportunities and techniques for lifelong professional development. Marymount has a direct entry affiliation agreement with Catholic University?s Columbus School of Law. This enables qualified third-year Marymount students in designated majors to be admitted to the first year of law school during their senior year at Marymount. Economics students who are interested in direct entry to the Columbus School of Law after their junior year at Marymount should discuss the 3+3 partnership with their major advisor as soon as they become interested. The advisor will guide students through the selection of Marymount courses and refer them to the Office of Admissions of the Columbus School of Law as potential applicants. Qualified students may receive credit from both Marymount and Catholic University for a maximum of 29 credits taken at the Columbus School of Law.