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Factors Underlying Trends in Economics Majors: A Cause for Concern?

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  • Bruce M. Skoorka
  • Carol M. Condon

Abstract

This paper identifies factors that are important in explaining recent trends in undergraduate economics majors. The decline in economics majors during the nineteen-nineties has caused concern in the profession because the declining trend had been attributed to a general decrease in student interest in the economics major. This study uses least squares regression techniques to explain trends in economics Bachelor degrees granted by 20 New Jersey colleges and universities during the 1979–2000 period, with implications for the national level. The results show that trends in economics majors are primarily a function of demographic trends, business cycle conditions, and the desire to attend post-graduate professional school. Hence, the recent declining trend in the number of economics graduates may not be a cause for concern. [JEL A22,129, Z00]

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce M. Skoorka & Carol M. Condon, 2002. "Factors Underlying Trends in Economics Majors: A Cause for Concern?," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 46(2), pages 54-64, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:46:y:2002:i:2:p:54-64
    DOI: 10.1177/056943450204600205
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. David Brasfield & Dannie Harrison & James McCoy & Martin Milkman, 1996. "Why Have Some Schools Not Experienced a Decrease in the Percentage of Students Majoring in Economics?," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(4), pages 362-370, October.
    10. William E. Becker, 1997. "Teaching Economics to Undergraduates," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 35(3), pages 1347-1373, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • Z00 - Other Special Topics - - General - - - General

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