Earn your degree in economics at the University of Montana and develop solid analytical and quantitative skills training that will prepare you for anything life throws at you.

As an economics major, you’ll explore history, mathematics, sound business strategy, unemployment, inflation and environmental challenges and more — developing a deeper understanding of public policy, world events and even your own buying decisions.

Our economics degree offers unique opportunities to learn cutting-edge economic research methods and work with data. You’ll be taught by some of the best in their field. Our faculty work in a wide range of important fields, including environmental economics, development economics and economic behavior.

$82,443

estimated average salary of UM's economics degree graduates

18%

higher salary earned by economics majors than average college major

66%

of UM's economics bachelor's degree graduates are working in a field related to their major

Other degree options for economics at UM

  • Minor in Economics Minor
  • Master's in Economics Master's

What can you do with an economics degree?

Earning your degree in economics at UM will set you up for rewarding career paths or advanced education. Many of our economics majors choose careers in business, government or the non-profit sector, while others move on to advanced degrees in economics, law and public policy.

Economics jobs

You can pursue a wide range of careers with an economics major. Recent employers of our program graduates include the US Census Bureau, the US Government Accountability Office, Ernst & Young, the Hoover Institute and JP Morgan. Example economics jobs include:

  • Economist
  • Financial risk analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Financial planner
  • Accountant
  • Economic researcher
  • Financial consultant
  • Investment analyst
  • Lawyer
  • Non-profit

Economics salaries

Economics is among the top 10 college majors in terms of average starting salary earned. We estimate that graduates of the economics degree at UM earn an average of $82,443.

“During my time with the economics department at the University of Montana, I was provided with the tools and resources necessary to help me succeed in academia. I found that this department is unique in that it is small enough to form a close-knit environment where students are encouraged to interact with faculty on a regular basis, yet large enough for students to learn about the particular subject matter that they are interested in given the wide range of topics in economics.”

- Neil Marie Bennet, PhD, Economist with the US Census Bureau

Experiential learning in the economics degree program

We offer both internship and research opportunities for economics majors. After all, economics is a subject that’s not only studied but applied in both our personal lives and on a global scale. We believe there’s no better way to embrace the subject than to get hands-on, real-world experience.

Internships and community service learning for economics majors

We invite our students to “get out there,” and do internships with local businesses and non-profits. This way, they can put their analytical and quantitative skills to work, and earn economics credits in the process.

Undergraduate research experiences for the bachelor's in economics

In Economics 403, a requirement for an economics major, you’ll learn the data skills required to perform economic research. You’ll also complete a research project in your senior capstone class, Economics 481. You may also choose to take Economics 451, Behavioral and Experimental Economics, where you’ll learn the theory and techniques of economic experiments.

Career development in the bachelor’s in economics

Economics majors learn highly sought-after skills: how to analyze and interpret data, how to use models, and how to communicate. Our students also develop strong writing and mathematics skills, leading to well-rounded graduates who are successful in the job market.

At UM, you’ll learn from the best. Many of our economics faculty have received teaching awards, including UM’s Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year and the Helen and Winston Cox Educational Excellence Award. We also offer plenty of opportunities for networking and professional development through student organizations such as:

  • Beta Alpha Psi
  • Finance Club
  • UM Marketing Club
  • Montana Information Systems Association

Scholarships for economics majors

Looking for financial help to pursue your economics degree at UM? We offer a number of departmental scholarships to help with tuition and other education costs. Learn more about scholarship opportunities for economics majors.

Economics degree requirements

The economics degree at UM explores topics such as money and banking, international trade and micro and macroeconomics. Popular elective courses include Game Theory, Behavioral and Experimental Economics, Economics of Sports, Environmental Economics, Economic Development, and International Environmental Economics and Climate Change.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in economics.