“The economy” as a concept often gets a very negative connotation. Many people complain about economic outcomes without ever knowing how they came to be. Gaining a working knowledge of the economy can be extremely useful for understanding what financial decisions will be best for you. 

Studying economics can give you a better understanding of how businesses and individuals make choices, as well as the more broad concept of market dynamics. Understanding economics also helps you develop widely applicable skills of critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication skills. 

Careers for economics majors can be rewarding and found across a wide range of industries.

What are the Key Concepts of Economics?

The basics of economics programs can be broken down into three major categories: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and data analysis.

  • Macroeconomics is all about the big picture of “the economy.” It utilizes large-scale factors like gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment rates, and inflation rates to access mainly national economies. By looking at how these 3 major indicators come to be and interact with each other, we can gain a better understanding of the fiscal policies of that nation. 
  • Microeconomics focuses more on individuals and their choices. It looks solely at single markets, and the effects of prices and production within that specific market. It puts a heavy emphasis on consumers, their behaviors, and their reactions to incentives. Microeconomics can help you to assess your own purchasing habits.
  • Data Analysis is a vital part of the study of economics. Once you know all of the macro and micro theories, you can see them play out in real life situations. Economists analyze historical data and use it to build predictive models. They additionally evaluate the impacts of current policies on markets in order to adjust them for the future. 

What Are Some Careers for Economics Majors?

Just because you study economics, it doesn’t mean you need to work directly as an economist. Earning a degree in economics can give you the skills to work in a diverse range of fields. 

  • Business: Studying economics gives you valuable business skills in analytical thinking, strategic insights, and communication. You can additionally apply your knowledge of decision making trends to help businesses to make the most profitable decisions.
  • Marketing: Both economics and marketing look at the same core question: What drives people choices? With your knowledge of economics, you’re especially equipped to understand what incentives will work best for what markets. 
  • Education: By studying economics, you’re equipped with the tools to teach not only economics, but also social studies or business studies. You’ll still require additional certification in most places, but a degree in economics is certainly a solid starting point.
  • Financial Services: Economics gives you firsthand insight into how financial systems run. Your knowledge of how banks set interest rates and how investors respond to market changes will be extremely helpful when working with finances. 
  • Government and Public Policy: There’s a very clear connection between economics and public policy. Economics classes teach you the influence policy has on business, consumers, and the economy as a whole. This makes you very equipped to shape the best policy possible. 

Why Should I Study Economics Online?

SDSU Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics program that is 100% online and can be completed in just two years. The program was ranked as the “#1 Online Bachelors in Economics” in 2025 by University HQ. 

The flexibility that a fully online program offers allows you to juggle gaining all of these new skills without having to put your life on hold. Courses are taught by the same expert professors that teach in SDSU’s economics program on-campus, so you’re still getting the same high quality education you’d receive in person. 

You can also choose to add some economics classes onto other majors with a minor in economics and supplement your studies with classes to improve your critical thinking and financial literacy skills. The minor is only 18 units, and provides a strong foundation of economic theory. 

Apply today to find out how much your dollar is truly worth!