University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The undergraduate economics programme combines foundational business and liberal arts requirements with a progressive sequence of economics courses. In the early years you study principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, introductory statistics and calculus or quantitative reasoning. Core modules typically include intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and econometrics, which develop analytical and empirical techniques for understanding markets and policy.

• Quantitative methods: statistics for economists, econometrics and applied data analysis.
• Core theory: intermediate micro and macro, public economics and mathematical economics or optimisation methods.
• Applied fields: labour economics, public finance, international economics, environmental/health economics and industrial organisation.
• Business and policy electives: courses in finance, management, marketing, law and public policy are available to complement the economics major.
• Capstone and research: senior seminars, capstone projects or supervised independent study give experience in writing and empirical research.

Students can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, computer lab sessions using statistical software and opportunities for internships and fieldwork. Elective choices allow pathways toward quantitative specialisms or broader business careers.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Mississippi typically requires a completed secondary school qualification or recognised equivalent. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong quantitative ability: good grades in mathematics at secondary level are advantageous. The university considers a combination of academic record, personal statement and other supporting information; standardised test results may be considered according to university policy.

Specific admission routes include direct entry into undergraduate study, transfer from other institutions and recognised international qualifications. Prospective students with non-traditional backgrounds should check departmental guidance on prerequisites in mathematics and prior coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with an undergraduate degree in economics are well placed for roles that require analytical thinking and quantitative skills. Common career destinations include:

• Financial services and banking (analyst roles, investment operations)
• Data and business analytics positions across private and public sectors
• Public policy, government agencies and non-profit organisations (policy analyst, research associate)
• Consulting, market research and economic advisory services
• Further study: many graduates progress to graduate programmes in economics, business (MBA), public policy or law.

Internships, career fairs and the university's career services help students make employer contacts and prepare for recruitment processes.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a supportive undergraduate environment with access to faculty-led research and regional employer networks. The economics curriculum balances theoretical grounding with applied training in data analysis, giving students practical skills valued by employers.

Students benefit from opportunities for internships in the state capital and regional businesses, study-abroad options to broaden international perspectives, and career support services to develop professional skills. Smaller class sizes in upper-level courses and the chance to undertake supervised research with faculty make the programme suitable for students aiming for both employment and postgraduate study.