Why Major in Economics?
An undergraduate degree in Economics from SMU prepares students for a wide range of careers through rigorous analytical training.
Students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, along with a deep understanding of how human behavior shapes markets and the production and distribution of wealth.
Our rigorous curriculum offers a broad array of advanced Economics courses and distinct program tracks, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic interests and career aspirations. Learn more on our Majors and Minor page.
An Economics degree opens the door to diverse career paths. Watch this brief video from American Economic Association to explore how economists apply their skills across industries
Internship Placement Data
Among our 2025 May Graduates students, 73% out of total reported get an internship during their undergraduate study, and 26% of those interned before continue working at the same company.
Internships are not required for completion of degree requirements but are highly recommended. Our students regularly complete internships with outstanding employers while pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Completing one or more internships will help you gain valuable skills and hands-on experience, network with professionals in the field, get an inside scoop on the industry, boost up your resume, gain confidence, and more.
*Reported internship reflect students who chose to disclose and may not represent all graduates.
Our May 2025 graduates completed internships at the below companies!
Jobs Placement Data
Economics majors are highly sought after for their analytical and critical-thinking skills. In fact, Economics majors earn wages comparable to that of Finance majors.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, US Census Bureau data from 2025 show that:
- Early career median wages: $60,000 for Economics majors and $60,000 for Finance majors
- Mid-career median wages: $100,000 for Economics majors and $100,000 for Finance majors
And, data collected by the SMU Department of Economics shows our Economics graduates have higher early career median wages than described above!
| Job Industry | Percentage | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | 43.64% | $72,743.00 |
| Real Estate | 27.27% | $78,766.00 |
| Other | 20.00% | $68,181.00 |
| Consulting | 3.64% | $84,250.00 |
| Gov./Law | 3.64% | $62,500.00 |
| Research | 1.82% | $65,000.00 |
*Reported salaries reflect students who chose to disclose compensation and may not represent all graduates.
There are many career paths for SMU students with a degree in Economics. We are constantly impressed by the success our students experience after graduation. See the job titles of our May 2025 graduates!
And, see where our May 2025 graduates are working now!
Need help?
If you are interested in our program, or have any questions, feel free to contact us at eco@smu.edu.