Program Details
Economics (School of Business), Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
Economics is the science of human choice, the study of how scarce resources are allocated among competing uses to satisfy human wants. Since many choices analyzed are made by or affect business decision makers, economics is a unique blend of liberal arts and business. Therefore, the Department of Economics offers an undergraduate major in both the College of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Business. The major in the College of Humanities and Sciences is designed for students who desire the flexibility and breadth that is associated with a liberal arts degree. Students who want to combine training in economics with exposure to the business disciplines should consider the major in the School of Business. Undergraduate work in economics is excellent preparation for careers in business, government and teaching, as well as for graduate work in economics and professional schools such as law, public administration and medicine. Specialization in economics prepares students for careers that emphasize analytical thinking, a broad understanding of the economy and business organizations and the proper choice of policies by governments and business enterprises. Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions in management and sales. The specific skills they acquire also provide employment opportunities in large organizations with departments that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data of special interest to the organizations. The mission of the B.S. in Economics is to provide undergraduate students with economic knowledge and skills that will enable them to compete successfully in changing regional, national and global economic environments.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Students will solve key microeconomic problems. Students will solve key macroeconomic problems. Students will be able to interpret and analyze data and express economic relationships using graphs, equations and words. Students will demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. Students will be able to employ economic models and data to analyze questions of economic significance.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree provides excellent preparation for careers in business, government and teaching, as well as for graduate work in economics and professional schools such as law, public administration and medicine. Specialization in economics prepares students for careers that emphasize analytical thinking, a broad understanding of the economy and business organizations, and the costs and benefits stemming from policies implemented by governments and business enterprises. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The admission requirements for the School of Business detail the deadlines and other requirements for students to be admitted to one of these major programs of study. The following courses must be completed before the student may declare a specific business major: ACCT 203, ACCT 204, BUSN 201 or BUSN 205, BUSN 212 or MATH 200, BUSN 225, ECON 210, ECON 211, UNIV 111, UNIV 112 and UNIV 200. The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees. All baccalaureate degree programs in the School of Business require successful completion of the business knowledge exam as administered in BUSN 499. Students may need to take additional mathematics courses as prerequisites to BUSN 212 or MATH 200. These credits will count as open electives in the degree program. No more than six credits from the BUSN 16X Digital Literacy courses may be applied to the degree. INTL 493 may not be counted toward a business degree. Credit for SPCH 121 or SPCH 321 will substitute for BUSN 225, and no more than three credits of these courses may be applied toward a business degree. Students who earned a minimum grade of B in either ECON 203 or ECON 205 at VCU may substitute that credit for ECON 210. The pass/fail grading policy may not be used for many course requirements. Students should check with their academic adviser before taking the pass/fail grading option. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to VCU's lower-level business courses with grades of B or better. Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to declare their business major. Missing lower-level courses must be taken before beginning the advanced business courses.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Students may choose to pursue an accelerated 5-year BS Economics to MA Economics. Students in the program may count up to 12 hours of 600-level graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.A. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 138 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Our most recent graduate survey showed economics majors had a 100% positive outcome score, meaning they were employed or pursuing graduate studies. The average salary of graduates was $72,000. Because of their analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills, students who major in economics are sought after for a wide array of positions in management and sales. In particular, the specific skills economics majors acquire provide employment opportunities in large organizations that forecast business conditions and analyze economic data. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have successfully completed the appropriate courses and earned the Associate of Science or Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration should enter VCU as juniors, prepared to enter the upper-level portion of this degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have successfully completed the appropriate courses and earned the Associate of Science or Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration should enter VCU as juniors, prepared to enter the upper-level portion of this degree. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Business | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Management - Small Business Management Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Project Management Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Digital Marketing Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Business Administration, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Business Management, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | AAS Degree in Business Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Business Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management and Leadership | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, Major in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, Major in Business Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Business Administration Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Finance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Management (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Business - Marketing (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1063.00 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-3011.00 | Economists | Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3011.01 | Environmental Economists | Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 13-2054.00 | Financial Risk Specialists | Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 13-1111.00 | Management Analysts | Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 19-3022.00 | Survey Researchers | Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete