Auburn University Economics Department

training that is standard in the economics programs at most colleges/universities, the overall emphasis has always been on understanding the behavioral implications of economic phenomena. Economists study how and why individuals, as consumers and as managers of private and public sector organizations, make choices about the allocation of scarce resources. Economics majors study how competition in markets leads to efficient production of goods and services, and the consequences of government intervention in private markets. They gain an understanding of effective decision-making by managers of firms and other organizations. Your education in economics thus prepares you for employment in a wide variety of jobs, or, as commonly is the case, serves as an excellent foundation from which to pursue law school or other advanced degree work. Employment ranges from very policy-oriented work with private firms, foundations or trade associations, to technically-oriented work with public sector agencies or private firms.