Start with introductory videos on microeconomics and macroeconomics before moving on to other videos. You want to get the basics down first. Ted Talks are also a good source of information, plus they’ll keep you engaged![2] X Research source
Try a textbook that provides an introduction to microeconomics or macroeconomics. Some classic influential textbooks include A Monetary History of the United States (1963) by Milton Friedman and Anne Schwartz for macroeconomics, Theory of Games and Economic Behavior (1944) by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern for game theory, and Value and Capital (1936) by John Hicks for microeconomics. For more contemporary books, you could try Principles of Economics by N. Gregory Mankiw; the 8th edition was published in 2017. Another option is Modern Principles of Economics by Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok; the 3rd edition was published in 2014.
For instance, Freakonomics is an enjoyable read that applies economics to pop culture.
While not all math is relevant, you do need to understand the basics to work up to harder math. For instance, calculus and statistics are both relevant to economics. However, you don’t want to jump into calculus if you don’t have a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Try looking on Coursera, MIT, Stanford, MR University, and Princeton.
Even if you don’t want to be an economics major in college, learning economics can help you be more financially literate and better understand how a capitalist society functions. [7] X Research source
For instance, you’ll likely start with a course on beginning microeconomics and one on beginning macroeconomics. You may also want to take a course on the history of economics or an introduction to microeconomics.
Keep in mind that you don’t want to focus solely on economics classes. For instance, history classes are ideal for an economics major, as economics influenced the course of history in a large way. Many “new worlds” were discovered due to the desire for new goods and trade routes, for instance. Similarly, computer skills are important. Much of what economists do today is integrated with computers, so if you’re looking to become an economist, your computer skills need to be sharp. Take classes on contemporary computer software, for instance. [8] X Research source
For instance, economics combines well with history, since history is influenced largely by economics. It also combines well with a math degree.
For instance, spend time playing with models. Tweak them, and try to figure out how they work. Challenge yourself to come up with interesting solutions to questions rather than a standard answer. Economics is about learning to think for yourself, not just popping out a standard answer.
Specialize by taking classes in the areas you enjoy the most, as you can use that as a jumping off place for graduate work or even a job in the field. For instance, you may find that you prefer microeconomics to macroeconomics, or maybe you’d like to focus on finance, developmental economics, or business economics.
