Economics examines how individuals and societies use their scarce resources. A method rather than a doctrine, economics is an apparatus of the mind which helps its possessors to draw correct conclusions. As such, the economic way of thinking has been applied to issues as diverse as global warming and crime and as timely as proposals for a national sales tax and the impact of free-trade agreements. Regardless of the issue considered, economics has social relevance; virtually every decision that individuals and societies make has an economic dimension. The Berry College economics faculty are committed teachers and scholars, bridging the liberal arts and business curricula. Courses in economics develop critical-thinking, writing and communication skills, thereby providing excellent preparation for careers or postgraduate studies. Economics majors often pursue careers in banking, business or public service. They typically earn high salaries relative to other majors. Economics also provides a sound basis for graduate study in economics, law or public policy; for example, economics majors routinely perform better than other majors on the Law School Admission Test. Whatever students’ career ambitions, economics is an interesting and intellectually stimulating field of study. This study is not limited to the classroom; economics students participate in many firsthand experiences such as study abroad, internships, and student research.

The requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in economics are summarized below: