Economics Concentration
On the surface, economics is the study of how individuals and societies strive to meet their material wants and needs. Go a little deeper, though, and you’ll get to the heart of why the principles you learn in this discipline can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
The reason? This is a social science that 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
Now the question is, how will you use your skills in the area of economics, a concentration in our business administration major, to better society?
Preparation for a Career in a Variety of Sectors
After studying economics at George Fox, you will be equipped for a career in the business, government, nonprofit or education sectors. This concentration is ideal for those anticipating graduate study in law, business administration, public policy, public administration or economics.
Why Study Economics at George Fox?
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A Christian commitment to the good life and human flourishing serves as an intellectual foundation for the analysis of economic issues. Professors emphasize a broad range of ethical considerations – not just the bottom line.
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Small classes allow you to develop meaningful relationships with your professors and fellow students.
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A focus on experiential 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.
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A dual quantitative and global business focus ensures a rigorous and yet well-rounded education while giving you a competitive edge in the job market when you graduate.
What will I Study?
- You will be taught tools to perform rigorous data analysis.
- You’ll start with a foundation of the theory of economics, including micro and macroeconomics, before moving into more complex and application-based coursework.
- Classes that demonstrate how economists can use their major to address real-world problems are offered, such as social inequality, urban and regional economics, and international economic development. This is a solve-the-problem-you-see-in-the-world kind of major.
- You will have the opportunity to engage in a field experience, working for a business or organization, or to conduct your own research, overseen by a professor.
Luke Petach
Class of 2014, Economics Faculty Member, Belmont University
The economics courses at George Fox helped me develop both the analytic tools and the critical thinking ability necessary to succeed as an economist. This not only 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.
What’s after George Fox
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the job market for economists is expected to grow 14 percent between 2019 and 2029. 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.
- 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
- 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, Ecuador
- Economic Impact Studies for Regional Partners
- 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