General introduction:
Economics, General is a fundamental field of study that explores how societies allocate scarce resources. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, as well as the behavior of individuals, businesses, and governments in making economic decisions.
Students pursuing a general economics degree will typically engage with both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics focuses on individual and business decision-making processes and the factors that influence supply and demand in specific markets. In contrast, macroeconomics examines broader economic trends, such as inflation, unemployment, and national economic growth.
The curriculum often includes courses in statistics, econometrics, and economic theory, equipping students with analytical skills and quantitative methods essential for understanding economic phenomena. Students may also explore topics like international trade, labor economics, and public policy, which provide insights into how economic principles apply to real-world situations.
Graduates with a degree in general economics are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. They can pursue roles in finance, government, consulting, and research, among others. Moreover, the critical thinking and analytical skills developed through an economics program are highly valued in many industries, making these graduates versatile in the job market.
Overall, a degree in Economics, General not only provides a solid understanding of economic principles but also prepares students to tackle complex issues in a rapidly changing world.
Graduates information
The data provided for the Economics, General program offers a compelling insight into the trends of graduate numbers over the years and the racial diversity among graduates in 2023.
From the first dataset, we observe a general trend of increasing graduate numbers from 2002 to 2015, peaking at 39,753 graduates. However, this trend shifts dramatically post-2015, with a noticeable decline in total graduates, reaching a low of 21,661 in 2023. The decline is particularly stark in the Bachelor’s degree category, which has seen a drop in graduates from 35,396 in 2015 to 17,564 in 2023. This could reflect broader trends in higher education enrollment, possibly influenced by economic factors, changing job market perceptions, or shifts in student interest.
The proportion of international students among the total graduates has been notable; for instance, the number of international graduates in 2023 stands at 3,072, making up a significant portion of the student body. The trend indicates a growing reliance on international students for the program, which may influence the program's curriculum and networking opportunities.
The second dataset provides a breakdown of graduates in 2023 by race and degree type. Notably, the Bachelor’s degree category has the highest number of graduates (17,564), with a diverse racial composition. The White demographic represents 49.5% of the Bachelor’s graduates, while Hispanic students make up 12.5%, and Asian students represent 10.3%. The international students in this category account for a significant 15% of total Bachelor’s graduates. This diversity is less pronounced at the Master’s and Doctoral levels, where the numbers are considerably lower and predominantly White.
This analysis highlights the growing diversity within the program, particularly at the undergraduate level, which could enrich the learning environment and prepare graduates for a globalized economy. However, the declining trend in overall graduation numbers raises potential concerns about the program's attractiveness and sustainability in the coming years. The reliance on international students also points to a broader trend in higher education, where institutions may need to adapt to maintain enrollment levels amid changing demographics and economic conditions.
List of colleges that has Economics, General. degree
The data provided offers a comprehensive overview of the graduation numbers for the Economics, General program across various U.S. universities ranked by USNews in 2024. The analysis is segmented into six ranking categories: 1-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200, 201-250, and 251-300. Notably, the number of graduates varies significantly across these categories, highlighting the strength and popularity of the economics program in higher-ranked institutions.
In the 1-50 ranking category, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands out with a staggering total of 551 graduates, composed of 522 undergraduates, 29 master's, and no doctoral graduates. This substantial number underscores the university's strong emphasis on economics education. Other notable institutions include Rice University with 70 graduates, Columbia University with 18, and University of Florida with 318 graduates. The presence of such a high number of students in these prestigious universities reflects their robust economics programs and their ability to attract a large student body.
Moving to the 51-100 ranking category, University of Connecticut shows a significant number of graduates, totaling 394, comprising 384 undergraduates and 10 graduate students. This indicates a strong undergraduate program. In contrast, Florida State University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities each produced 102 and 110 graduates, respectively, showcasing a diverse range of educational offerings within the field.
The 101-150 ranking category features George Mason University with a noteworthy 158 graduates, which includes a significant number of graduate students (63), indicative of a strong emphasis on advanced studies in economics. Likewise, California State University--Long Beach produced 91 graduates, with a healthy balance between undergraduate and graduate students.
In the 151-200 category, the University of Kansas produced 41 graduates, while University of Massachusetts-Lowell and University of Rhode Island had 29 and 25 graduates, respectively. The numbers here are lower, which is expected as these institutions are ranked lower and may not offer as extensive economics programs.
The 201-250 category shows institutions like University of North Carolina--Wilmington with 9 graduates, indicating a smaller scale program compared to higher-ranked universities. The 251-300 category further illustrates this trend, with institutions like Central Michigan University producing only 14 graduates, showcasing the limited capacity or focus on economics at these institutions.
Overall, it is evident that higher-ranked universities tend to have a larger number of graduates in the Economics, General program, reflecting their resources, faculty expertise, and program popularity. Institutions like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of Florida demonstrate a clear advantage in terms of student enrollment in economics, while lower-ranked universities struggle to attract similar numbers. This trend underscores the importance of institutional reputation and program offerings in determining student choices in higher education.
