Economics

Economics, the study of how humans allocate scarce resources among competing ends is the most important class a student can take. The reason this is true is because by studying economics students learn how to make decisions efficiently and optimally. This means in the best way possible. Economics is not just about money, it is about making choices.

• Video: Why Study Economics?
• Video: Why Study Economics? The one reason you should and should NOT major in economics
• Reading: What You Need to Know About Becoming an Economics Major

What economists can expect to earn in different fields:

The median annual wage for economists was $115,440 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,340 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $212,710.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for economists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Quick Facts: Economists

For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Economics offers courses in all modalities-in-person, Online Scheduled and Online Anytime. We do not have any restrictions for Online classes like Language Option Restrictions (require students to participate in foreign language courses), Elective Course Restrictions (when a limited number of elective options available), Required Course Restrictions (require students to participate in one or more campus-based courses), Potential Course Restrictions (face-to-face requirements for exams, laboratory sessions, and other activities). The requirements for the Online class are the same we have for in-person classes. Students must be placed in a college level reading/writing class; must be placed in a college level math class.

Economics Field of Study (FOS) Curriculum

Field of Study Coursework:

Bachelor of Science Track:

• ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECON 2302  - Principles of Microeconomics
• MATH 2413 - Calculus I

Choose one of the following courses:

• BUSI 2305 - Business Statistics
• MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods

Bachelor of Arts Track:

• ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics

Choose one of the following courses:

• MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods
• MATH 2413 - Calculus I

Fully Transferable: 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has designated the Field of Study Curriculum courses as “fully transferable” to other public colleges and universities in Texas. Students planning on transferring to either private or out-of-state institutions should direct transfer questions to that college or university.  

For more information, refer to the HCC Catalog and Field of Study Curricula Approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.