Economics Major & Minor | Luther College

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Develop a broad knowledge of economic theory and methods. Learn tools to resolve problems facing society. Discover the role of ethics in well-informed economic decision-making.

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Why Study Economics?

Do you enjoy using logic, reasoning, and information to solve complex issues? If so, studying economics might be a good fit for you.

Economics equips you to face challenges in the larger world. It teaches you how to think critically and make ethical and well-informed decisions.

Why Study Economics at Luther?

Luther’s economics program emphasizes applied problem-solving and creative reasoning.

You’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with your professors on projects and theories. They will challenge and support you, pushing you to do your best work.

A Luther economics major or minor will prepare you for the workplace and equip you with many skills employers seek, including presentation skills. Top employers regularly recruit our economics graduates. Many of our grads are also admitted into top law schools, business schools, and graduate programs.

Luther’s economics program includes a higher than average number of international students. This means you’ll make connections with students from around the globe and gain insight into working in a global context.

Study-Away Opportunities

Discover study-away programs to enhance your economics major/minor.

Internships

Get professional, real-world experience with an internship.

Scholarships

Luther offers unique scholarship opportunities for students majoring in economics, accounting, or management.

What You’ll Learn

Luther’s economics major will teach you economic theory. You’ll learn how to explain current events, policy, and problems in the world. You’ll practice analyzing economic data. You’ll discover how to use theory to assess economic arguments, opinions, and empirical evidence.

Our courses emphasize critical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills. You’ll complete introductory coursework in economics (focusing on economic principles and methods) and electives to further expand your skills. The major culminates in an individual research project that will showcase your ability to apply economic theory and carry out economic analysis.

Economics Major

An economics major begins with foundational courses including macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics. It also includes upper-level courses on a variety of topics. A senior project must be completed by all economics majors.

Economics Minor

An economics minor consists of learning the principles of economics. Courses will include macro- or microeconomics and three higher-level economics courses.

Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

Representatives from businesses, government agencies, and other organizations visit the Luther campus throughout the year to actively recruit seniors for permanent employment and internships.

Many Luther economics majors go on to earn advanced degrees in economics or policy. Others earn professional degrees in fields such as law or business.

Career Fields

Consulting
Finance
Data science
Policy
Computing/information systems (management, programming, sales)
Financial planning
Banking
Government

Employers

Best Buy
Epic
UnitedHealthcare
World Bank
Willis Towers Watson
Wells Fargo
BlackRock
Mayo Clinic

Steve [Holland], a J.D., became an influential mentor throughout my time at Luther, helping develop my analytical skills and reasoning, which are vital in law school and the legal profession.

Jake Vogt '19

on professor of economics Steve Holland