Economics (B.S./B.A.)

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.

FAST FACTS

  • Many professors in our department conduct research in the Chicago School style economics.
  • We have partnered with two European universities to offer undergrads an opportunity to earn two degrees while studying abroad.
  • Many speaking events and workshops each year enhance and expand upon the knowledge you'll gain in the classroom.
  • Fields traditionally entered by economics majors are law, politics, banking, academia and government service.
  • Our students have gone on to study at Yale, Vanderbilt, Duke and Boston universities.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

All students interested in Clemson's economics Bachelor of Science degree must first complete a pre-business core curriculum in order to move into the upper-level degree classes. On the Clemson admissions application, Bachelor of Science students will apply as a pre-business major.

All students interested in Clemson's economics Bachelor of Arts degree will apply directly to the program.

Classes for both programs 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. The Bachelor of Arts 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 have the opportunity to 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: 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 degrees in economics. 

Transatlantic Exchange in Economics (TREE): Gain incomparable cultural and intellectual experience while earning bachelor's degrees from both Clemson and the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium; and do it in just four years. Students who participate must speak French, as you'll spend two semesters studying — typically in your junior year — at Louvain.

Popular Minors

  • Financial Management
  • Legal Studies
  • Management
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Natural Resource Economics
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy

EXPERIENCES 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.

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!
Participate in a living-learning experience where you get to live and learn with peer business majors in a dedicated residence hall. Take part in educational and extracurricular activities while forming lifelong friendships.
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.
The Community and Economic Development Club is a student-based, professional organization that aims to expand your understanding of societies. It sponsors field trips, guest speakers and annual student internship presentations.
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

AFTER GRADUATION

Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.

RECENT EMPLOYERS

  • Analyst

    J.P. Morgan Chase

  • Intellectual Property Litigation Assistant

    Sidley Austin LLP

  • Operations and Quality Analyst

    Proterra Inc.

  • Financial Analyst

    GM

  • Analytics Specialist

    IBM

     

RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

  • M.A. Applied Economics

    George Washington University

  • MBA

    Clemson University

  • J.D.

    University of Georgia

  • M.A. International Affairs

    George Washington University

  • Ph.D. Economics

    UC Berkeley

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

Used with permission from the University 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. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.

Jake Anderson


Recruiter
manders@clemson.edu

Department Website College Website
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