Majors in Economics

The Undergraduate Economics Program offers four undergraduate major degrees. All four degree programs are intended for students who are interested in using economic theory and analysis to solve complex problems.  The four degrees share a solid grounding in economics theory, quantitative analysis (economic, mathematical, statistical), and communication skills. The degrees differ in the level of mathematical sophistication and in the focus of the statistical analysis. All three degree degrees prepare students for graduate school (academic and professional), the business world, and public service.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During the data analysis component of this curriculum, particular focus is paid to ordinal data analysis and the study of surveys. The flexibility of the Special Electives requirement allows students the opportunity to study political, historical, and social institutions. Students pursuing this degree will be well equipped for public service, the business world, and the pursuite of professional graduate degrees and/or graduate work in public policy or decision sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Economics.  The data analysis component of this curriculum is model-driven. Theories explored in the Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis and Advanced Microeconomic Analysis courses are tested to determine whether human behavior matches theoretical predictions.  Students pursuing this degree will be well equipped for public service, the business world, and the pursuit of professional graduate degrees and/or graduate work in economics, decision sciences, finance, or public policy.

Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mathematical Sciences. The major in Economics and Mathematical Sciences is a collaborative effort between the Department of Mathematics and the Undergraduate Economics Program. Combining advanced mathematics with advanced economic theory is the hallmark of this curriculum. The curriculum provides students with courses that complement and develop depth of understanding of economic theory, applied economics, and applied mathematics. This degree offers an integrated curriculum, guiding students through a program of coursework that exploits and builds upon the synergies between mathematics and economics. This degree program equips students with the mathematical tools that are essential for success in Ph.D. programs in economics; mathematics; and key functional areas of business including finance, accounting, marketing, and information systems. Students pursuing this degree will be well prepared for the beginning of their research careeers in academia, government, and industry. There are a limited number of student slots in this program; interested students should visit the Economics and Mathematical Sciences Degree Program application website. (an online application form - Login instructions)

Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics.   The major in Economics and Statistics is a collaborative effort between the Department of Statistics and the Undergraduate Economics Program. It provides an interdiscplinary course of study aimed at students with a strong interest in the empirical analysis of economic data. The major's curriculum provides student with a solid foundation in the theories and methods of both fields. Students in this major are trained to advance the understanding of economics issues through the analysis, synthesis, and reporting of data using the advanced empitical research methods of statistics and econometrics.   Students pursuing this degree will be well equipped to pursue professional graduate degrees and/or graduate work in economics, decision sciences, public policy. Addtionally, students pursuing this curriculum are prepared for Ph.D. programs in Economics and research positions in industry.