Economics is the study of how societies use their limited resources to produce wealth and how the distribution of the wealth among their members is determined. Knowledge of economics helps businesses and households understand how economic events will affect them, how they can best react to these events, and how to assess government economic policies. Majoring in economics is a springboard to a very wide variety of careers in business, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. A major in economics is also excellent preparation for law school and graduate study toward master's and doctoral degrees in economics, business administration, public administration, urban studies, international studies, marine affairs, and other fields. The linked B.A. in economics to M.P.A. program provides qualified Old Dominion University undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn a master's degree in public administration while taking credits in the M.P.A. program as an undergraduate student. The program is designed for highly motivated students with the desire to immediately continue their education after the bachelor's degree. The program is especially relevant to individuals seeking to work (or currently working) in the public or non-profit sectors, but is suitable for students from any undergraduate major.