Preparing you for your role in the global economy
Economics is more than just charts and numbers - it's the study of how people, businesses, and governments make choices in a world of limited resources. It helps us understand everything from why gas prices rise to how global trade works, and even how policies affect inequality and growth. As an economics student, you will learn to think critically, analyze data, and solve complex problems - skills that are in high demand across industries.
At Vol State, our faculty members are ready to guide you on your economics study pathway. It is our mission to offer you a challenging academic experience that prepares you for success in today’s global marketplace. Graduates often pursue careers in finance, consulting, public policy, data analysis, or economic development. Economics is also one of the top majors for students considering law school; in fact, economics majors consistently score among the highest on the LSAT, thanks to the strong analytical and logical reasoning skills they develop. Though demanding, this discipline is dynamic and offers substantial personal and professional rewards.
Courses of Study
As part of the program offering a foundation in economics, our goal is to equip students with a solid understanding of market dynamics. This includes how individuals and businesses respond to economic conditions and how economies behave at both the macro and micro levels in response to various indicators.
We recognize that some students may wish to focus more deeply on specific areas within economics when they continue their studies at four-year institutions. To support these interests, we offer the basics of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics along with structured concentrations in related business courses. Details about general education and business core requirements can be found in the College Catalog.
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) pathway requires a one-year sequence (6 credits) in a single foreign language. The Associate of Science (A.S.) pathway allows for more classes in the area of emphasis in place of foreign language credits.
Transfer Options
Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university or select regionally accredited, non-profit Tennessee private colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degree. The TTPs also constitute an agreement between community colleges and four-year colleges/universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements. For transfer to four-year institutions, contact an advisor at the senior institution.
Note: Due to the transferability to a four-year institution, there are to be no course substitutions where a specific course is required in the TTP curriculum guide.
Future Opportunities
Pursuing a major in economics is a strategic decision that opens the door to a broad spectrum of further studies and future career opportunities. Economics majors often pursue rewarding careers in various sectors, including:
- Higher education
- Government agencies such as the Federal Reserve Board
- Data Analytics
- Investment banks and financial advisory firms
- Real estate development and analysis
- Global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and research or aid organizations
- Local and state government departments
Sample entry-level job titles:
- Bank Teller/Financial Services Representative
- Budget or Financial Analyst Assistant
- Market Research Assistant
- Data Analyst (entry-level business intelligence)
- Accounting/Bookkeeping Clerk
