Economics

Why study economics?

Students in this major learn how to improve local and global quality of life using an economic mindset, which uses cause-and-effect and looking from different angles to make sense of the financial world.

  • Professors tie this social science, which focuses on how societies produce, distribute and consume goods and services, to current events and the modern economic situation.
  • Models, techniques and critical evaluation skills learned in this major value ethical connections between the philosophical, historical, governmental and mathematical aspects of the world.
Stock Photo of Economics

Academics at AU

Beyond AU

Dan Elmer '15, Katie Eliason '18 and Lesyk Voznyuk '15 are portfolio managers for the South Dakota Investment Council (SDIC). Within their roles, they research companies, value securities, make investment decisions and execute trades. At AU, Elmer double majored in economics and mathematics, Eliason in economics and government & international affairs, and Voznyuk triple majored in economics, physics and religion.

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Latest News

In September, Augustana University began offering a quantitative economics (QE) major, alongside its economics major. Quantitative economics is the economics degree with an emphasis on the quantitative (side) with three parts: analyzing situations using models, empirical analysis and computer simulations.

Augustana student Mariya Mamman ‘25 is a communication studies/business and economics double major from Jos, Plateau, Nigeria. She is interning this summer at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, gaining experience as a social media & events intern.

Highlights

Economics Stock Photo

Careers

Graduates secure careers as financial analysts, real estate researchers, insurance claims examiners, sales representatives, economic consultants and policy analysts.

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

  • Augustana Research Institute (ARI)
  • Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
  • First PREMIER Bank
  • Economic development associations for county and state governments
  • South Dakota International Trade Center
  • South Dakota Trust Company

Economics students study away in:

  • London, England; Paris, France; and Oslo, Norway — focusing on sustainable business with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Courses dive into theoretical analysis, statistical inference and the study of economic history and institutions.

Economics students often participate in:

  • Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society
  • Peace Club
  • Augie Green