Explore Economics at Montana State University

The timeless science of critical decision-making. 

Why do gas prices always go up in the summer? What does it actually mean when the stock market takes a hit?

Our Economics program focuses on furthering students’ understanding of current economic issues and their relationship to our social environment. Students study the science of critical decision-making and apply their knowledge to solve real-life problems in finance, public policy and international relations.

Popular Courses

Intro to Econometrics

ECNS 403: The senior capstone course for the economics major. With a focus on estimating economic relationships and conducting hypothesis testing, it utilizes cutting-edge statistical software packages and real data to apply economic methods to problems in business, economics, and public policy.

Behavioral & Experimental Economics

ECNS 451:  An introduction to behavioral economics, a growing field which uses insights from psychology to improve economic models of behavior.

International Economics

ECNS 314:  A survey of international economic theory and policy. Major concepts explored are comparative advantage, impacts of tariffs, exchange rates, and international payments.

Careers

Some careers require very specific skills that can quickly become outdated, such as knowledge of particular computer programs or specialized equipment. The study of economics builds and hones the timeless skills that employers value most highly -- the ability to think critically and carefully, the ability to learn new skills, and the ability to solve problems. It's what is known as "the economic way of thinking."

Our graduates have parlayed their economics bachelor's degrees into a wide range of career fields. Placements within the past seven years include:

• Investment Analyst at Klipbok LLC
• Financial Advisor at Equitable Advisors
• Casualty Associate Broker at WTW

Some have leveraged their bachelor's degree to advanced education opportunities through master's programs, law schools and professional training programs. These include:

• Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy

• Masters of Economic Policy Management from Columbia University
• Master's of Economic History at The London School of Economics 

Still wondering what economists do? Watch this video from the American Economic Association and visit the AEA student resource page to learn more.