Students on campus

Economics Major and Minor

Economics for Big Thinkers

As an economics student at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business, you'll expand your critical thinking skills by diving deep into topics like game theory, economic policy, financial economics and behavioral economics, among others. The economics major is a flexible one that gives you the opportunity to take electives and explore your interests.

Which major is the best fit for you?

Economics

Emphasizes behavior and the overall impact of human choices on decision-making. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Business Economics

Emphasizes the exchange of goods between people and companies. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

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A Growing Economy of Careers

While we can’t see the future, we can predict that you’ll go far by exploring the world of economics. As an economics major, you’ll advance your analytical skills and learn how to put theory to use — or who knows, you might even start your own business. See how our graduates have put their education to work.

Laura Johnson

Founder, You & Yours Distilling Co.

Laura Johnson has always had a passion for distilling spirits. After earning her degrees in both economics and international business, she founded the You & Yours Distilling Co. in San Diego, California.

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Thrive at USD

Your Experience as an Economics Major

At USD, not only will you receive an enriching education with renowned faculty, but you’ll also join a community that nurtures your ideas in an unparalleled setting — beautiful, sunny, eclectic San Diego. Here are a few more unique experiences you’ll take part in as an economics major:

The economics minor

Focusing on economics can help give you an edge in critical thinking and econometric analysis. Consider the economics minor as another pathway to help you reach your career goals.

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Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

An Education That’s Worth It

Where you go to college is one of the most important decisions — and investments — you will ever make. At USD, your tuition investment will plug you into an innovation ecosystem that nurtures your ideas and an extensive alumni network that can connect you to your first job.

$61k

Tuition

per year

$3k

Textbooks and Supplies

per year

76%

Scholarships and Financial Aid

of students receive financial aid

A Range of Opportunities

With an economics major, there’s no limit to where you’ll go. Students in our program have worked as global project managers for companies like Adobe, analysts for Citigroup, and consultants at FactSet.

$59,925

Average Starting Salary of USD graduates

97.6%

of USD graduates received their first full-time offer within three months of graduation


Current Status

  • Employed: 60%
  • Furthering education: 20%
  • Full-time service: 0%
  • Military: 0%
  • Seeking employment: 20%
  • Not Seeking employment: 0%

Career Advancement

100% of 2024–25 respondents received their first full-time job offer within three months of graduating.
  • Before graduating: 100%
  • Within 3 months: 0%
  • 4-6 months: 0%
  • More than 6 months: 0%

Jobs You May Pursue

Policy Analyst

Considering public impact, a policy analyst researches issues such as healthcare, tax, energy, environmental and trade policy to recommend legislative solutions.

Market Research Analyst

By evaluating consumer demand and pricing strategies, market research analysts are vital members in understanding product sales.

Actuary

An actuary uses computer software (STATA/R) to analyze and determine the likelihood of insurable events like fires, deaths, illnesses and business failures.

Economic Consultant

Using analytical and research skills, an economic consultant identifies trends that will impact product introductions, expansions and investments for corporate clients.

Next Steps

Should We Make Things Official? 

Throughout your time in our economics program, you’ll gain valuable critical thinking and analytical skills — skills that are highly desired by well-paying employers. So, let’s make it official.