Why Major in Economics?
An undergraduate degree in Economics from SMU prepares students for a wide range of careers through rigorous analytical training.
Students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, along with a deep understanding of how human behavior shapes markets and the production and distribution of wealth.
Our rigorous curriculum offers a broad array of advanced Economics courses and distinct program tracks, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic interests and career aspirations.
An Economics degree opens the door to diverse career paths. Watch this brief from the American Economic Association to explore how economists apply their skills across industries.
What can I do with an economics major?
Economics majors are highly sought after for their analytical and critical-thinking skills. In fact, Economics majors earn wages comparable to that of Finance majors.
Our recent graduates have received excellent job placements in a wide range of fields, including:
- Analytics
- Consulting
- Sports
- Marketing
- Technology
- Banking
- Insurance
- Communications
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, US Census Bureau data from 2025 show that:
- Early career median wages: $60,000 for Economics majors and $60,000 for Finance majors
- Mid-career median wages: $100,000 for Economics majors and $100,000 for Finance majors
And, data collected by the SMU Department of Economics shows our Economics graduates have higher early career median wages than described above!
| Job Industry | Percentage | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | 43.64% | $72,743.00 |
| Real Estate | 27.27% | $78,766.00 |
| Other | 20.00% | $68,181.00 |
| Consulting | 3.64% | $84,250.00 |
| Gov./Law | 3.64% | $62,500.00 |
| Research | 1.82% | $65,000.00 |
*Reported salaries reflect students who chose to disclose compensation and may not represent all graduates.