Broadly defined, economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and how the market mediates those decisions across a wide range of domains. Most people think of economics as answering questions about why new companies start up, the causes of high unemployment and what determines interest rates. Economics is far broader and wider ranging than that. In addition to studying inequality, exchange rates and monetary policy, economists study issues such as underground and illegal markets, why people decide to get married and have children, and the economics of sports.

Why choose economics?

Ohio State's Department of Economics is ranked 9th among public universities and 27th among all universities in the U.S. At Ohio State, our economics major is distinguished by three factors: our world-renowned faculty who are actively involved in undergraduate teaching, our innovative and expanding research opportunities for undergraduates and our extracurricular activities that provide students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and interact directly with employers and faculty from across the university.

What can you do with this degree?

An economics degree opens up a wide range of career options. Our graduates are employed in banking, government, insurance securities and as managers, analysts and consultants. An undergraduate degree in economics also provides an excellent base for graduate work in the social sciences, law and business administration. US Census data shows that at mid-career, arts and sciences economics majors have higher earnings than any other arts and sciences major and any business school major. Every year, a sizable number of employers directly recruit our majors for full-time positions and internships.