Economics Major

Preparation for a career in a variety of sectors

With an economics degree from George Fox University, you will be equipped for a career in the business, government, nonprofit or education sectors. The economics major is ideal for those anticipating graduate study in law, business administration, public policy, public administration or economics.

Addressing choices and behavior of individuals, firms and industries

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies strive to meet their material wants and needs. As a social science, it is fundamentally concerned with improving human welfare. It draws upon philosophy, mathematics, history and other social sciences in order to address:

Individual and household choice making
The behavior of firms and industries
The allocative and regulatory roles of government
Many of humanity's most pressing challenges, from escaping poverty to environmental degradation

What distinguishes the study of economics at George Fox

A Christian commitment to the good life and human flourishing serves as an intellectual foundation for the analysis of economic issues.
Small classes allow you to develop meaningful relationships with your professors and fellow students.
A focus on experential learning is paramount. Outside of the classroom, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research with professors, study abroad or get academic credit for an internship.

Request more information about the economics major at George Fox University or schedule a visit to begin your education at Oregon's Christian university, ranked as one of the top Christian colleges in the nation by Forbes.

Videos

Imani Kamau //player.vimeo.com/video/213917575?autoplay=1

i3 Challenge //player.vimeo.com/video/260972036?autoplay=1

Jobs and Graduate School

Economics majors at George Fox integrate the Christian faith with their studies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the job market for economists is expected to grow 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. Because of the strong quantitative skills developed, economists find employment across a wide spectrum of fields, ranging from banking and finance to research and teaching.

Those with a master’s degree or PhD will likely stand out from their competitors and should receive offers for the most desirable job opportunities.

Common career paths

Banking
Finance
Economic development
Government agencies
Consulting
Insurance
Research
Teaching
Nonprofit organizations

Positions economics majors have held

Financial Analyst, Nike
Senior Business Finance Analyst, Intel
Senior Financial Analyst, Microsoft
VP, Credit Administration, Bank of the Cascades
Sales Executive, KPD Insurance
Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services
Program Operations Manager, AECOM (Libya)
Program Associate, United Nations Office on Drug and Crime
Financial Representative, Country Financial
Credit Manager of Strategic Client Group, Washington Mutual
Professor of Economics, Olivet Nazarene University
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Portland Branch)
Federal Reserve Bank (Washington, D.C.)
Economics High School Teacher
Account Manager, Pacific Capital Resource Group
Finance Faculty, Linfield College

Graduate schools to which economics majors have been accepted

University of Illinois
Oregon State University
City, University of London
Colorado State University
London School of Economics
University of New Orleans
Cornell University
UCLA
Emory University

Real-world learning opportunities

Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services
Malaysian Government office
Department of Commerce (Washington D.C.)
United States International Trade Commission
Consulting for Victoria’s Lavender on pricing policies
Economics instruction at Hillsboro High School
Study abroad at Oxford
Students can attend multiple speaking events featuring Nobel Prize winning economists
FINCA, Quito, Equador
Economic Impact Studies for Regional Partners

Student Experiences

“Studying economics through a Christian lens has facilitated the acquisition of tools that have helped me conceptually and quantitatively analyze economic conditions in the world, as well as fueled my passion to develop sustainable and equitable solutions to the socioeconomic challenges Kenya and similar African countries face.”

- Imani Kamau ('17)
Graduate Student, London School of Economics

"The economics major at George Fox helped me develop both the analytic tools and the critical thinking ability necessary to succeed as an economist. The major did not just set me up to be a better economist than I otherwise might have been, but it helped me to be a better human being as well."

- Luke Petach ('14)
Economics Faculty Member, Belmont University

Points of Distinction

Small, student-focused classes allow for personal attention from professors.
Professors emphasize a broad range of ethical considerations – not just the bottom line.
A dual quantitative and global business focus ensures a rigorous and yet well-rounded education while giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
In their courses students will be taught tools to perform rigorous data analysis.
Students will learn from faculty who are actively engaged with scholarship in their fields.

Why George Fox?

Christ-centered community

Our faith influences everything we do here, from the way our professors teach to the way we relate to one another and serve in the community.

Global opportunities

More than half of George Fox undergraduate students study abroad, ranking George Fox among the nation's leaders in study abroad participation (U.S. News & World Report).

National recognition

George Fox University is a Christian university classified by U.S. News & World Report as a first-tier regional university, and Forbes ranks George Fox among the highest Christian colleges in the country.

Applied Knowledge

Through completing field experience or a research project, all economics students apply their knowledge to real-world opportunities during their coursework.

Business Faculty

Required Courses

Four-Year Course Plan

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