The Economics Program
School of Business
South Hall 100
SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, NY  14454
Ph: 585.245.5367


The theory of economics does not furnish a body of settled conclusions immediately applicable to policy.  It is a method rather than a doctrine, an apparatus of the mind, which helps its possessor to draw correct conclusions.                                                                -- John Maynard Keynes

Economics focuses on the development of analytical and problem solving skills.  It is often said that economics is a "way of thinking".  Economists study markets, including financial markets, but economics is also a social science.  Economists work in a wide variety of fields including the financial sector, government, consulting, and everywhere in between. 

Why is there such a variety of career paths?  The answer is simple, as an economics major you are asked to familiarize yourself with the techniques for analysis of economic problems, and to develop the ability to think critically and rigorously.  Critical thinking and problem solving skills are not career specific, rather these skills represent a foundation for learning which can be applied in all settings.  Furthermore, economists must learn to communicate effectively in order to be heard.

The Economics Program at SUNY, Geneseo includes standard foundation courses in micro and macro economic theory as well as courses in statistical analysis.  Beyond the theory courses Geneseo also offers a relatively wide variety of elective courses for a program of our size.  All of the economics courses at Geneseo emphasize the critical thinking and problem solving skills that employers are seeking.

The course of study for economic majors is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students with a variety of career interests, including business, law, government, education, public administration, and general economics. The undergraduate economics major is also excellent preparation for graduate study in many fields, such as business, law, and economics. Courses of study in economics allow sufficient time for electing courses outside the department while meeting all departmental requirements and General Education Requirements.

The following is a sample of job titles that could be filled by economics majors (but note that this list is by no means exhaustive): Actuary, Advertising Executive, Auditor, Bank Officer, Bond Trader, Business Forecaster, Business Manager, College Professor, Cost Analyst, Credit Analyst / Loan Officer, Demographer, Entrepreneur, Estate Planner, Financial Planner/Analyst, Financial Officer, Government Administrator, Healthcare Administrator, Human Resources Administrator, Industry Analyst, Industrial/Institutional Buyer, Information Scientist, Insurance Salesperson, Intelligence Agent, International Trade Specialist, Journalist, Labor Relations Specialist, Lawyer, Litigation Analyst, Management Consultant/Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Policy Analyst, Politician, Property Manager, Public Administrator/Manager, Public Utilities Manager, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Sales Manager, Securities Salesperson/Broker, Securities/Commodities Trader, Statistician, Teacher, Technical Writer, Transportation Specialist, Underwriter, Urban/Regional Planner.  (The list is from the CSU, Sacramento Economics Dept.)



Useful links for information regarding the Economics Program at Geneseo and Economics in general.

Requirements for the Economics major and minor

Course Descriptions

Course Rotation

Faculty Members

Suggested Minors

Omicron Delta Epsilon

Employment Information of Recent Graduates

Salaries of Recent Graduates

Recent Graduate School Choices

Salaries for Economics Majors

LSAT scores by college degree


Information about Economists and Marketing Research Analysts from the BLS

Resources for Economists on the Internet

National Association of Business Economists

Information about 10,592 Economics Departments, Institutes and Research Centers from 229 countries

Information about Economics Departments with Ph.D. programs in American and Canadian Universities