Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of ArtsVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The College of Science at Virginia Tech provides students with interdisciplinary training in analytical skills, a comprehensive foundation in the tools of science and the scientific method, and rigorous education in any of a wide variety of scientific fields. The college supports research centers in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, applied mathematics, macromolecular science, and many other critical technologies and applied sciences that interface with other Colleges at the University.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Economists develop theories to explain how the components of the economy like individual people, companies, and the government operate and interact with one another. We gather data to estimate the relationships among the various aspects of the economy. Based on these analyses, economists predict how people and companies will respond to changes in policies and external forces. These predictions, in turn, help guide private and public decision-makers to form appropriate policies. One of the best things about Economics is that the demand for economics majors is strong in the private sector and government. Economics is also great preparation for graduate school, whether you are leaning towards business, law, public policy, or going on to become an economist yourself! If you’re still deciding, the flexibility that economics offers can help you keep your options open. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | https://econ.vt.edu/undergraduate/opportunities.html |
| Program Successes & Highlights | The Department of Economics at Virginia Tech focuses on teaching, research and outreach in regard to economic issues at the state, national and international levels. We offer both undergraduate and graduate training for students who wish to concentrate in economics. In addition, we offer general education courses that provide undergraduates from across the university with a background in the business, policy and international aspects of economics they need to support their programs of study. The majority of our faculty are engaged in interdisciplinary or international research collaborations. |
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 Polytechnic Institute and State 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 | Completion of a transferrable associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning score requirements:Â https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Social Science- History Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Major in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Major in Economics, Concentration in Mathematical Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Hollins University | BA in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Economics BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Economics - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Economics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Economics Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Economics (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Economics (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BBA in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Pre-Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education: K-12 Special Education Adapted and General Curriculum Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Science in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Social Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Community Health, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Health Administration, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | Social Work, BSW | Bachelor | Bachelor of Social Work | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Anthropology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Economics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Human Development and Family Science, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Integrative Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Sociology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Criminology, Law and Society, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Economics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Integrative Studies, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Government and International Politics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Public Administration, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Geography, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Geology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | International Security and Law, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| Old Dominion University | Sociology-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Old Dominion University | Sociology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BA in Social Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Social Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: History Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Political Science Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1069.00 | Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-3099.00 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | All social scientists and related workers not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3099.01 | Transportation Planners | Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 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 |
| 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

