The Economics Major: Present and Future

Paper Session

Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Hyatt Regency Chicago, Atlanta
Hosted By: American Economic Association
  • Chair: Sam Allgood, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Trends in Enrollment in Economics and Other Undergraduate Majors

Wendy Stock
,
Montana State University

Abstract

Although economics' share of Bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States has been flat for over a decade, its share of second majors is growing. This paper documents trends and correlations in disciplines' shares of first and second majors for Bachelor's degrees conferred in the United States during 2001-2014. First majors in math, engineering, computer science and technology and in the life and medical sciences (now the modal major among female students) are complements to second majors in economics. Encouraging double majoring in economics among students in these disciplines could grow and diversify the economics discipline while also benefiting graduates.

Preparing Students to "Do Economics" After Graduation

Gail Hoyt
,
University of Kentucky
KimMarie McGoldrick
,
University of Richmond

Abstract

TBD

Learning Outcomes for Economists

Sam Allgood
,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Amanda Bayer
,
Swarthmore College

Abstract

TBD
Discussant(s)
David C. Colander
,
Middlebury College
Carly Urban
,
Montana State University
Eric P. Chiang
,
Florida Atlantic University
Lee Coppock
,
University of Virginia
JEL Classifications
  • A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics