Economics (B.S/B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Our department is known as an outpost of the University of Chicago economics department.
  • Fields traditionally entered by economics majors are law, politics, banking, academia and government service.
  • Nearly 50 speaking events and workshops each year enhance and expand upon the knowledge you’ll gain in the classroom.
  • Our students have gone on to study at Yale, Vanderbilt, Duke and Boston universities.
ABOUT.

Economics is a way of thinking about every aspect of human behavior. Clemson's economics major offers a broad view of the discipline while focusing on its traditional values. Your classes and professors will teach you how to be adept at thinking logically, which prepares you for success in any occupation. Most of our professors are followers of the Chicago school of economics, which favors free markets over government intrusion in the economy. Most commonly, our graduates’ first jobs are in banking and finance, and many hold management and marketing positions. Our alumni also hold key positions in government at both the state and federal levels. No matter whether you have dreams of studying law, working in business or leading our country, you will leave this program with a thorough understanding of business, society and public policy.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Classes provide a strong foundation in economic principles including microeconomics, international economy, statistical analysis and the economics of various specialties including sports, health care, government, education and banking. You'll also take courses covering the moral and legal implications of various economic theories. Our program emphasizes environmental economics to prepare students for careers in business or government by focusing on problem-solving skills. This degree emphasizes foreign language skills and offers you freedom to tailor your course of study to your specific interests and career goals.

Every spring, seniors participate in the Senior Seminar in Public Policy, a capstone course that allows students to apply what they have learned toward a comprehensive analysis of a current public-policy issue. The course includes a trip to Washington, D.C., during which class members meet with a variety of policymakers and analysts in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government as well as economists affiliated with the Federal Reserve System and independent “think tanks.”

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan (AIME): Our combined degree program in economics allows you to get ahead of the game on a graduate degree. You can take up to 12 hours of graduate credit that counts toward both your bachelor’s and master’s. 

Transatlantic Exchange in Economics (TREE): Gain incomparable cultural and intellectual experience while earning bachelor’s degrees from Clemson and the Universite’ Catholique de Louvain in Belgium; and do it in just four years. Students who participate must speak French, as you’ll spend one semester studying at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands and two semesters at Louvain.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Legal Studies
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Financial Management
  • Natural Resource Economics
  • Sociology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

At Clemson, you’ll have opportunities to advance your undergraduate career by earning dual degrees, studying abroad or participating in research typically associated with graduate-level studies.

Internships and Research Projects:

SIGHTSEEING:
The economics department has two international partnerships that provide you with the opportunity to study abroad and stipends to cover the expense. Plus, you can earn two degrees while seeing the world!
CBE:
Participate in a living-learning experience where you get to live and learn with peer economics majors in a dedicated residence hall. Take part in educational and extracurricular activities while forming life-long friendships.
D.C.:
The Senior Seminar in Public Policy course allows you to apply what you’ve learned toward a detailed analysis of a current public-policy issue. The course includes a trip to Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet with policymakers and analysts.
NETWORK:
The Community and Economic Development Club is a student-based, professional organization that aims to expand your understanding of societies. They sponsor field trips, guest speakers and annual student internship presentations.
RESEARCH:
Economics majors can choose to participate in an ongoing undergraduate research project that seeks to build and illustrate an economic history of South Carolina.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

41%

Employed

31%

Grad School

18%

Seeking Employment

10%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • BB&T — Leadership Development Program Associate
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — Energy Analyst

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Duke University School of Law — J.D.
  • University of Chicago — MBA
  • University of Virginia — Ph.D.
  • Yale Law School — J.D.

Common Career Areas**

  • Government
    • Cost Analysis
    • Intelligence
    • Public Administration
  • Economic Consulting
    • Data Analysis
    • Market Research
  • Banking and Finance
    • Lending
    • Operations
    • Securities Analysis
    • Research
  • Insurance
    • Underwriting
    • Claims
  • Health Care
    • Data Analysis
    • Health Management
  • Other Business Areas
    • Management
    • Purchasing
    • Human Resources
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Robert Fleck, Undergraduate Coordinator and Professor of Economics
864-656-3964 — rfleck@clemson.edu