The modern market economy is perhaps the most complex information network that ever existed. Economists are the people who study this system, model it and seek to explain how it functions. Economics at Armstrong Atlantic State University is a rigorous and intellectually demanding program. The Department of Economics offers a bachelor of arts in economics with a choice between a general economics track, a business economic track and an international economics track. All three tracks of the economics B.A. require courses in economic theory, econometrics and a senior thesis.

The demand for economists is high. According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 225,000 positions held by economists and market and survey researchers at the present time. The projected increase in demand for economists by the year 2016 is up to 7%. The outlook is particularly good for those economists skilled in quantitative methods. Economics is the largest and most highly paid field in social science. According to a 2008 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, persons with a bachelor's degree in economics received offers averaging $52,926 a year. Most economists are concerned with practical applications of economic policy in a particular area. They use their understanding of economic relationships to advise businesses and other organizations, including the following: insurance companies banks securities firms industry and trade associations labor unions government agencies Graduates with a bachelor's degree may find jobs in industry and business as management or sales trainees. Large accounting firms are also interested in hiring economists. Economists with quantitative skills are qualified for research assistant positions in a broad range of fields. Those who meet state certification requirements may become high school economics teachers. Economists who work for government agencies may assess economic conditions in the United States or abroad in order to estimate the economic effects of specific changes in public policy or legislation. Other jobs for economics graduates include financial analysts, underwriters, actuaries and budget officers.