Economics Major

Finance, business, government policy and more

When you major in economics at Bridgewater, you’ll take courses covering business, government policy, finance, economic theory and more.

What to Expect

  • Develop a strong foundation in analytical thinking and data interpretation with a focus on economic theory, quantitative analysis and the ability to understand both micro and macroeconomic trends.
  • Professors offer a supportive and engaging learning environment. Faculty members bring real-world experience, offering students opportunities for mentorship and hands-on learning.
  • Through internships, practical projects, and career-focused courses, the economics major helps students apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, preparing them for careers in business, finance, government or further graduate study.

Courses

The economics major consists of 14 courses in economics and mathematics. Economics majors may choose among three tracks: business, government policy and preparation for graduate school via additional mathematics courses. Economics majors can also earn an emphasis in financial economics.

Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON-200

Introduces scarcity, opportunity cost, and supply and demand analysis, with special emphasis on aggregate economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policies. 

Money & Banking
ECON-300

Focuses on the financial system, determinants of interest rates, structure and regulation of the banking system, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary policy and its impact on aggregate economic activity and inflation.

Government & Business
ECON-330

Discussion of the role of government and market forces in promoting economic efficiency, focusing on antitrust policy, economic regulation, and socio-economic engineering.

Specific requirements for this major can be found in the College Catalog.

Required Courses Meet the Faculty

Careers

A degree in economics will prepare you for a variety of careers such bank advisor, economist, editor, financial analyst, research analyst, and professor. Like many BC graduates, you might also enter graduate schools such as: Virginia Tech, College of William and Mary, James Madison University, Radford University, University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Chart your path

Learn more about career paths, employment and advancement in the field of economics from the American Economic Association.

Clubs

Get involved in clubs that build professional knowledge, communication and leadership skills and help you engage with the BC community. See a few related clubs below or learn more about all the clubs and organizations offered.

Bridgewater Investment Club provides students with the opportunity to participate in activities orientated towards investing, personal finance, banking, and economics. The club fosters a sense of community among its members while instilling a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility required in the field of investing and personal finance.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO), the premier entrepreneurship network in North America, promotes a spirit of entrepreneurship and encourages college students to seek opportunity through enterprise creation. In addition to regular meetings, Bridgewater CEO activities include bringing entrepreneurial guest speakers to campus, hosting “Getting to Know an Entrepreneur” events, sponsoring students to the national CEO conference in Chicago, supporting members to attend the Self-Employment in the Arts (SEA) annual conference and joint-venturing with the Greater Ashby Business Council of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Chamber of Commerce to host an annual Business Expo. Membership in CEO is open to all BC students regardless of major.