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Department of Economics
Explore the Economics B.A. Major
Economics extends beyond just the concepts of money, profits, and the stock market. It provides a unique lens-focusing on incentives, choices, and markets-to discern the root causes and uncover solutions for enduring societal challenges. Through this lens, we can illuminate pressing topics like production, education, crime, the environment, international trade, immigration, health care, economic growth, poverty, and beyond.
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics offers students a versatile and well-rounded education, providing a solid foundation in economic theory and empirical analysis. This degree program allows for greater flexibility as students are not required to declare a minor. Instead, they have the opportunity to curate their education by selecting from a wide array of upper-division economics electives that align with their specific interests and career aspirations. Students are encouraged to complement their economics coursework with classes from other disciplines, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective on the policy issues that matter most to them. Upon graduation, students with a BA in Economics will be well-equipped to pursue careers across various sectors and industries. They will also be highly prepared for admission into graduate programs in fields such as economics, agricultural economics & applied economics, political science, sociology, or law. With its emphasis on flexibility and interdisciplinary learning, the BA in Economics empowers students to forge their own unique paths to success.
What Are Milestones?
Milestones are activities students should complete and skills they should develop during their first year, middle years and final year at MSU Denver.
Major Milestones help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan that makes the most of their time at MSU Denver and sets them up for post-graduation success.
Career Milestones provide ways to explore options for jobs and/or attending graduate school after graduation and help students understand the types of essential skills employers look for.
Both types of Milestones integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom), and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences.
Career Milestones Resources
There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.
Essential skills built through majoring in Economics include:
- Critical Thinking
- Oral & Written Communication
- Global Learning
Learn more about essential skills.
Students graduating with a B.A. degree in Economics find themselves most often in positions in:
- Financial Services
- Consulting
- Government and Public Policy
Explore career opportunities by major.
Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider these pathways:
- Economics
- Law
- Finance
Learn more about applying to graduate school.
Major Milestones Resources
Learn more about Major Milestones for your major and how to make the most of your time at MSU Denver!
How To Get The Most Out Of This Page
Follow These Steps
- Click on your year in school from the list below.
- Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
- Complete any necessary steps listed.
- Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.
All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.
Major Milestones Categories
Engage
Highlights activities you can engage and participate in globally, nationally and locally to enhance your essential skills and start building your resume.
Prepare
Lists steps to prepare for postgraduate success whether that's entering the workforce, attending graduate school or pursuing other goals and plans.
Arrive! What to Explore During Your First Year at MSU Denver
- Attend orientation and register for classes.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor.
- Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.
- Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
- Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
- Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).
- Check out Career Link for on campus and career-aligned jobs.
- Attend Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) career workshops and events.
- Write your early experience resume and utilize resume resources from the C2Hub.
- Visit the Economics department in Physical Location.
- Develop an Academic Yearly Plan with Academic Advisor.
- Complete your General Studies courses and ensure that they meet Economics and/or Business Core prerequisite courses.
- Meet other economics students/majors and consider organizing study group/team.
- Meet the Department chair to discuss your interests and post-graduation goals (enter labor market – what are the things you are passionate about, graduate school, K-12 teaching, etc.) to help fine tune your Academic Yearly Plan when it comes to select upper-division (economics) electives for the BA in Economics.
- Attend events organized by the Economics Department.
- Learn your student support resources (tutoring, Career Services C2 Hub support, Explore student groups and clubs).
- Meet other economics students/majors and consider organizing study group/team.
- Attend the “Meet an Alumnus Event.”
Thrive! Make the Most of Your Middle Years at MSU Denver
- Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
- Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
- Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.
- Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
- Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
- Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.
- Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
- Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
- Connect with an Industry Navigator from the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) to discuss internships, engaging with industry partners, and professional mentoring.
- Log in to Career Link to find an internship or even a full-time position for the Summer.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor and/or Department Chair/Faculty to fine tune your graduation plan.
- Meet with an Economics Faculty member or Department Chair to discuss career or graduate opportunities.
- If considering Study Abroad, talk to the Department Chair and Economics Advisor about how studying abroad fits into your degree.
- Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
- Consider attending a professional conference for economists.
- Apply for tutoring positions in the department. Also consider being a Supplemental Instruction leader.
- If applying for graduate school, finalize preparations such as taking the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT and asking for faculty recommendation letters.
- Take electives that polish economics, analytical, quantitative, leadership, or communication skills.
- Build your resume by completing a paid internship in an industry that aligns with your career goals. Career Link can help you find internships that match your skills and interests.If you’re pursuing graduate school, consider applying for Research Assistant Positions or a pre-Doc or consider applying for the American Economic Association Summer Programs.
Soar! Maximize Your Final Year at MSU Denver
- Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
- Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
- Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.
- Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
- Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
- Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.
- Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
- Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
- Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
- Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.
- If applying for graduate school, finalize preparations such as taking the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT and asking for faculty recommendation letters.
- Take electives that polish economics, analytical, quantitative, leadership, or communication skills.
- Consider completing a paid internship in an industry that aligns with your career goals; if planning to go to graduate school, consider applying for Research Assistant Positions or a pre-Doc or consider applying for the American Economic Association Summer Training & Scholarship Program.
- Consider being a Tutor, Supplemental Instructor, or Peer Mentor.
- Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
- Attend a conference that align with your graduate school aspiration and consider participating into the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition at the Association of Private Enterprise or MSU Denver Undergraduate Research Conference.
- Finalize your cover letter, resume, LinkedIn Profile
- Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
- Join national professional organizations.
- Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.
Roadrunner Roads
Things every student should do at MSU Denver.
Roadrunner Upkeep
- Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF/Scholarship Applications every year.
- Stay on track for graduation by meeting with your advisor every year and check into the Rowdy Pit Stop every semester.
- Read The Runner in your email every Monday.
Roadrunner Career Readiness
- Find and get hired for jobs during college and beyond by visiting the Classroom to Career (C2) Hub and utilize their resources for students.
- To be prepared for any opportunity that comes your way, update your resume early & often.
- Explore options for hands-on learning and graduate school & get prepared for both.
- Log in to Career Link each month to stay up to date on programs, events, and job/internship opportunities.
Roadrunner Wellbeing
- Explore wellness and belonging resources from CESA.
- Access mental wellbeing support through the Counseling Center.
- Visit Rowdy’s Corner when you need some food access support.
- Nourish your physical well-being by checking out the Rec Center and Exercise Sciences, including for-credit courses.
- Determine your need for a Health Insurance Opt-Out Waiver each semester.
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Contact the Department of Economics
Connect with Us
Phone: (303) 615-0111
Campus Location:
Administration Building (AD)
#530