An Insightful Look Answering ‘What Is Economics?’ & Economics Major Jobs
Pursuing an economics degree offers a comprehensive understanding of how societies allocate resources, make decisions and address challenges in various sectors. If you’ve ever wondered ‘what can I do with an economics degree?’, the answer is: quite a lot. This major equips students with analytical and critical thinking skills applicable to myriad career opportunities. Industries such as banking, financial institutions, government agencies and consultancy firms hire economics majors upon graduation. The major focuses on learning to analyze the world in terms of tradeoffs and incentives — that is, to “think like an economist.”
As one then-senior Rowan University economics major put it when we featured her, “Once my father advised me to study finance or economics. He considered it a great path to success, since economics is related to all the huge businesses, companies, institutions or even government jobs.”
Subject matter review and approval March 2026:
Lawrence Markowitz, Ph.D., chairperson, Department of Political Science & Economics, Rowan University
What Does an Economics Major Learn?
An economics major delves into the principles governing the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Within the economics major at Rowan University, the curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and international economics. This interdisciplinary approach integrates aspects of finance, political science, sociology and international relations, providing a well-rounded education.
Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies to align with specific interests and career goals, ensuring a personalized and relevant educational experience. In addition, strong dual majors to pair with an economics degree include psychology, sociology, math, law, journalism and political science.
Career Paths: Where Can an Economics Degree Take You?
An economics degree opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities across various industries. Economics major jobs include roles such as:
- Financial Analyst: Assess financial data to guide business decisions.
- Economic Consultant: Analyze economic trends to advise organizations.
- Policy Analyst: Evaluate and develop policies for governmental or non-governmental organizations.
- Market Research Analyst: Study market conditions to determine potential sales of a product or service.
- Data Analyst: Interpret complex data to help companies make informed decisions.
The demand for economics professionals spans sectors such as finance, healthcare, education and government. The analytical and problem-solving skills acquired through the program are highly valued, offering graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Economics Alumni Outcomes
After Elona Noka graduated, she left her part-time job as a junior accountant and stepped into a full-time role as a audit associate. Now five years into her career post-graduation, she has been employed as an asset wealth management tax team member for three years. She has also earned her master’s degree in finance. When we featured her as a senior in 2020 in a profile about her student experience as an economics major, she said, “Studying economics is the key of achieving success. You will have many chances on becoming a great economist and moreover you will have no limits on becoming a CEO, CFA or a CPA.” Elona’s LinkedIn reflects that she has, in fact, growing a successful career toward her professional goals.
Today Justin Kelsall, a 2014 graduate of the economics major, works as a Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) analyst III at a bank. He is also a longtime adjunct professor at his alma mater, teaching microeconomics, macroeconomics and an elective course called Economics of Cannabis. He earned his master of science of applied economics from The Johns Hopkins University.
What Is an Economics Major?
Students studying economics learn how to break down real-world decisions — from why people buy to how markets move and businesses grow. The program combines economic theory with hands-on data analysis, helping students think strategically and back up decisions with evidence.
Coursework spans microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and behavioral economics, giving students the tools to analyze trends, test ideas and understand what drives outcomes. Along the way, students build strong analytical and problem-solving skills that apply across industries.
Hands-on experience is a key part of the program. Through internships, research and applied projects, students work with real data and real scenarios, building experience that translates beyond the classroom. Graduates go on to careers in business, finance, consulting, government, data analysis and other fields where understanding data and making smart decisions matter.
Alumni Success Stories
Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
About Rowan
The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan University is home to a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business.
Carnegie-classified as an R2 (high research activity) institution and operating at R1 (very high research activity), the University partners with industry, government and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and beyond to drive innovation, while developing the future workforce. Students are essential contributors, presenting at national conferences, sharing credit in professional publications and earning recognition for their work. Selected entrepreneurs receive support through the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund.
Rowan’s partnerships with Virtua Health, Cooper University Health Care and all major health care systems in southern New Jersey distinguish the region as a hub for health care research and education. Rowan is also a key partner with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in two strategic innovation centers focused on medical technology.