July 2001 to June 2003 may have been dismal for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (down 14 percent), but it was a bull market for economics majors (up 23 percent). The greatest increase in undergraduate economics degrees over the two-year period was at state universities (up 32 percent), in particular large flagship state universities with…

A survey of 1,080 senior economics majors at 48 colleges and universities in the United States is reported. Questionnaires were administered in classes, by mass mailings, or through economics clubs. Although institutions were selected to provide a representative distribution of respondents, variations in response rates created too few participants…

The two goals that faculty thought were more important than did the students were: (1) mastering knowledge in a discipline, and (2) preparing for employment. Students rated the following three areas much higher than did the faculty: (1) developing research ability, (2) providing for emotional development, and (3) achieving more self-understanding.…

Summarizes the educational trends in undergraduate economics degrees from 1997-98 noting that in the three year period from 1991-92 to 1994-95 there was a 30% decline in the number of economic degrees awarded to undergraduate students. Finds that the overall trend masks huge differences among the types of institutions. (CMK)

Briefly examines recent trends in undergraduate economics degrees. Discovers that despite periodic cycles, the proportion of degrees awarded has remained fairly steady. Includes statistical tables detailing the number and percentage of economics baccalaureate degrees awarded by colleges and universities. Discusses possible reasons and implications…

Presents evidence of a substantial decline in undergraduate degrees in economics from 1992 through 1996 in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Finds no correlation between decline and degree cost, tightened grading standards, or degree requirements. Finds increased interest in business education to be the predominant cause. (RLH)

Reports on a study of the number of four-year Bachelor's degrees awarded in economics in 1993-94. Finds that the number of undergraduate degrees in economics continues to decline. Presents three tables of statistical data and discusses possible reasons for this decline. (CFR)

Attributes the nation's loss in economics majors in the early 1990s to a 24 percent decline at public universities. Indicates the latest data suggest that number of undergraduate economics degrees awarded by U.S. colleges and universities is increasing. Uses data from the National Center for Education Statistics to report findings. (JEH)

Discusses objects, methods of instruction, content, and accomplishments of the undergraduate major in economics. Recommends a strong introductory sequence stressing application of economic tools, rigorous intermediate theory courses, background courses in quantitative methods, and a minimum of five economics electives. Suggests synthesis through a…

Reports preliminary findings of a new project aimed at understanding the nature of time-series fluctuations in degrees awarded in various disciplines, including economics. Examines the consequences of such fluctuations for resource allocation within universities. Compares statistics among economics, history, and political science degrees. Includes…