By examining the trade-offs between the various options that we face when we make
choices, economics helps us to understand how to make the best use of our limited
resources. Almost all issues of public and private policy involve economics as do
your own individual choices.
rfi_lightbox
5
Request Information
Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
✖
Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in economics. Speak with your advisor about the best courses to
take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Explore Economics Careers
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Economics degree program. Each career
profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open
positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Economics Careers page.
Accountants and Auditors
Accountants and Auditors
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Accountants and Auditors career profile for most current data.
$80,657 Median Salary
0.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1,706 Job Postings
Description:
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements,
give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise
on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Core tasks:
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes
in operations and financial activities.
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance,
fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use
of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial
data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Core tasks:
Advise clients on aspects of capitalization, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
Analyze financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties
to identify or recommend remedies.
Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or
public relations experts.
Quick facts:
Financial Managers
Financial Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Financial Managers career profile for most current data.
$158,004 Median Salary
4.4% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
2,198 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities,
and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Core tasks:
Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide
assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments
of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments,
or credit departments.
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning
capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit
risk.
Core tasks:
Analyze areas of potential risk to the assets, earning capacity, or success of organizations.
Analyze new legislation to determine impact on risk exposure.
Conduct statistical analyses to quantify risk, using statistical analysis software
or econometric models.
Confer with traders to identify and communicate risks associated with specific trading
strategies or positions.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
