Microeconomics
Explores the behavior of individuals and firms in making decisions regarding the allocation of resources.
Difficulty
Moderately challengingSeniors rate it hardest
Students rate Economics 3.4/5 for difficulty across 38 ratings.
Average difficultyBased on 38 students across 10 schools.View review makeup
3.4/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Average difficulty out of 5, by class year
Overall average 3.4 of 5Based on 38 students across 10 schools.View review makeup
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
71% would recommend it
Based on 38 reviews across 10 schools
What students say about the payoff
Compare Economics with other majors
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Curriculum and careers
Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments allocate resources and make decisions. Students learn to analyze data, understand economic theories, and apply models to real-world situations to solve economic problems.
Core course themes
Macroeconomics
Examines the economy as a whole, focusing on issues such as inflation, unemployment, and policy impacts.
Econometrics
Introduces statistical methods and techniques for analyzing economic data and testing hypotheses.
International Economics
Studies trade theories, policies, and the effects of globalization on economies.
Public Finance
Analyzes government revenue and expenditure policies and their impact on the economy.
Development Economics
Focuses on economic aspects of the development process in low-income countries.
Common roles
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.
Economics by school
Scores account for sample sizePreparing school differences…
University of California-Los Angeles18 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.8
- Enjoyment
- 3.4
- Recommend
- 75%
University of Southern California10 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.9
- Enjoyment
- 3.5
- Recommend
- 71%
Emory University2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.8
- Enjoyment
- 3.6
- Recommend
- 76%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.6
- Enjoyment
- 3.5
- Recommend
- 68%
New York University1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.5
- Enjoyment
- 3.3
- Recommend
- 65%
Pomona College1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.7
- Enjoyment
- 3.5
- Recommend
- 74%
Stony Brook University1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.8
- Enjoyment
- 3.6
- Recommend
- 74%
The University of Texas at Dallas1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.5
- Enjoyment
- 3.5
- Recommend
- 65%
Community
Big questions in Economics
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Student reviews
CriticalCareers & next steps
Good as an add on for another skill based major and good for pre law. Useless by itself. Find less theory based class and you will succeed, unless you want to go into research or teaching or PhD. Learn accounting or computer science or data science or you have a hard time ding a job. Economics is not likely to be your career so plan another skilled based major or trade school Or connect with people in your desired industry. Your resume with only a degree will not make you successful.
Jul 2025
MixedCareers & next steps
The curve is pretty terrible and grades are very professor dependent, but the content is interesting and UCLA economics has enough brand power to get you into competitive recruiting cycles
Mar 2026
PositiveCareers & next steps
I chose Economics because it’s not only about money, but people’s experience in the society. Pomona college also does not offer finance or accounting, so Economics is the closest option that I feel like would prepare for a finance or professional services career. Pomona’s economics is in general more theoretical and reading and writing heavy when compared to others.
Jul 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
Economics at UCLA tends to be more analysis heavy, but allows you to explore both business and economics research. It is very important to develop your interests outside of courses as well.
Apr 2026
MixedCareers & next steps
highly theoretical major. if you're interested in a business career (such as marketing, investment banking, etc.), this might not be the most practical major, but it is still good regardless if you're looking for employment in these fields!!! professors are fine, classes are large, but you can always find 1 on 1 help during office hours and discussion.
Apr 2026
MixedDifficulty & workload
Econ at UCLA is a grind and the down curve is brutal, but it’s super rewarding when it finally clicks.
Oct 2025
MixedCareers & next steps
The Economics major at the University of Washington is a solid choice if you're planning to pursue graduate studies. It builds strong analytical skills and serves as a good academic foundation. However, it's not very career-oriented, so you may need to supplement it with internships or other experiences if you plan to work right after graduation. The department's resources are limited compared to other majors, but the professors are knowledgeable and supportive.
Jul 2025
CriticalCourses & teaching
I found that UCLA’s economics program was very theory based. I think that there could be more classes focused on practical applications of economics beyond statistical analysis.
Mar 2026
PositiveCourses & teaching
I am currently studying Economics at Stony Brook University (SBU), and my experience has been very positive. The program is located in New York, which provides excellent access to professional opportunities and networking resources. The professors are supportive and knowledgeable, often encouraging critical thinking and data-driven analysis. The coursework is challenging but rewarding, combining theory with practical applications. SBU also offers a diverse student community that makes group discussions and projects engaging. Overall, the Economics program here builds strong analytical skills and prepares students well for future careers.
Sep 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
I liked learning economics because the professors I had were really patient and clear. They made the topics easy to understand and the workload was very manageable.
Oct 2025
MixedCareers & next steps
You have to really love and enjoy economics to be in this major. I don't think that economics is that applicable to my career of marketing, but it's a good background to have for everyday usage and optimization of certain things.
Mar 2026
CriticalCareers & next steps
Economic knowledge alone won't secure you a job, it's too broad and intuitive. You need to acquire substantial expertise to excel in specific roles. Many pursue graduate studies to gain more time for learning and enhance their employability.
Oct 2025
PositiveEnjoyment & fit
I think economics is (so-far) a really fun major for those who enjoy problem solving, puzzles, and games.
Apr 2026
CriticalDifficulty & workload
This major is very math-heavy, be ready to learn a lot of advanced math. Be open to frustration and devote enough time to study.
Apr 2026
CriticalSupport & community
Take professor RashidIan , bayrak and some others and professor at pinto. Everyone else is unhelpful.
Sep 2025
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