Economics

Economics examines how individuals and societies use their scarce resources. While many economic concepts are directly applicable to business and household decisions, economics is better understood as “a method rather than a doctrine, an apparatus of the mind, a technique of thinking that helps its possessor to draw correct conclusions.” This economic way of thinking has been applied to issues as diverse as religion and crime and as timely as proposals for a health care and immigration reform. Regardless of the issue, economics has relevance; virtually every decision made by individuals and societies has an economic dimension. 

What makes Berry’s faculty standout?

• Committed teachers and scholars bridging the college’s liberal arts and business curricula.
• Frequently contribute to a wide range of both academic journals and popular print and electronic media.
• Offering a variety of courses such as environmental economics, sports economics, health economics, economic development, economic history, and economic analysis of law.

What degree options are available?

Economics majors can choose either the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Bachelor of Science degree. While the requirements for the two are largely the same, this option provides students the flexibility of tailoring their course of study to their interests. Many students have taken advantage of this flexibility by adding a minor or a second major. For current major requirements, visit the economics site.  

What distinguishes the Berry economics program?

• A high level of student-faculty interaction because of small class sizes, the student Work Experience Program, and activities sponsored by the economics honor society, Omicron Delta Epsilon.
• A high level of collaborative research between students and faculty. Berry economics faculty members view research as a form of beyond-the-classroom teaching rather than as a faculty-only enterprise.

What are the topics of some recent student/faculty collaborative research?

• The impact of health care reform on bankruptcy.
• The effect of mandatory bicycle helmet laws on child bicycle fatalities.
• Lender preferences and the determinants of funding for microfinance.
• Analysis of some effects of Georgia’s HOPE scholarship program.
• Factors affecting attendance at professional sporting events.
• The consumer benefits of tax credits for purchasing hybrid cars.
• The factors hindering the economic development of Sub-Saharan Africa.

What kind of work do Berry economics graduates do?

Since economics is excellent preparation for a wide range of careers and postgraduate studies, it is not surprising that our students have followed many paths after graduation. Some use economics as a springboard for advanced studies in law, economics and public policy; studies have shown that economics majors often have the highest scores on the LSAT and that lawyers who majored in economics as undergraduates typically have higher salaries than other attorneys. Other students opt to enter the workforce after graduation; Berry economics graduates are successful in many fields including insurance, finance and banking. 

Some of our recent alumni have secured positions at firms including GEICO, Home Depot Corporate, Citizens First Bank, McKinsey & Company consulting, SAP, and the Princeton University Investment Company. Those choosing to pursue graduate study have enrolled in institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Emory, Michigan State, Clemson, Georgia State, and the University of Chicago. We are proud of our students and their many accomplishments! 

What about internships?

Meaningful summer experiences are one reason for the postgraduate success of Berry economics students. Recently, Berry students have been selected for prestigious Washington internships, have enrolled in selective summer economics programs and have interned for local law firms, banks, and insurance agencies.

What special programs are available?