Degrees & Majors

Economics examines the material prosperity of countries and their citizens in an interdependent world of limited resources and technological change. In doing so, it studies how decisions are made by private businesses, governments, and households in producing, consuming, and distributing goods. In general, economics is concerned with how society can obtain the greatest output from its limited resources. Economics is also concerned with monetary arrangements and their impact upon purchasing power and economic performance.

Economic principles yield basic insights into the workings of the market system and the national and international environment within which business operates. These principles provide analysis that is fundamental to understanding the organization and decisions of the government, business, and financial sectors. Economics also develops criteria for assessing the performance of the market systems and of governments regarding their efficiency and their impact upon the well-being of consumers and workers.Hands-on Opportunities

The Department of Economics prides itself on innovation in the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities and classes to gain practical knowledge, develop networks, hone leadership skills, and learn more about the real world.

Please note: while every section of the above courses might not include exactly the above projects, faculty incorporate real-world learning into the curriculum.

An undergraduate degree in economics prepares students with the quantitative and qualitative skills to think critically and learn how to make optimal decisions. Students will learn by doing with a curriculum taught by nationally acclaimed economists and faculty. The BA program has a qualitative focus with a foreign language requirement.

An undergraduate degree in economics prepares students with the quantitative and qualitative skills to think critically and learn how to make optimal decisions. Students will learn by doing with a curriculum taught by nationally acclaimed economists and faculty. The BS has a focus on quantitative and mathematical reasoning. This program is recommended if students are considering a graduate degree in economics or related areas in business.

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program helps students become familiar with and capable of contributing to ongoing debates about the nature of good political and economic institutions, as well as the policies and practices that are best suited for creating and sustaining them. Students will develop the intellectual skills of the social scientist, who seeks to understand how the social world operates, and the moral philosopher, who seeks to critically evaluate the social world in relation to how it ought to be. This interdisciplinary program makes use of the analytically rigorous tools of its three disciplines to promote serious thought about practical issues, allowing students to delve deep into moral, social, political and economic issues. PPE graduates contribute intelligently to public dialogue, many in positions of power in government and corporate life. The PPE program supports the Civil Discourse Forum, a student group that encourages discussion of controversial issues and is often led by PPE students. To learn more about our program’s faculty, events and related resources, go to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics homepage.

The planning and economic development minor prepares students to work in both the public and private sectors addressing issues facing urban communities. This minor is appropriate for students who want to pursue careers or further study in the planning, development and management of communities. Courses introduce students to forces shaping the development of urban regions. Special attention is paid to planning for economic development, environmental quality, housing, land use, neighborhood revitalization, and transportation.   During their studies, students learn about the variety of policies and strategies that citizens and planners can use to influence development. For information on program requirements, visit the Andrew Young School of Public Policy website.

The B.I.S. in Social Entrepreneurship prepares students to become agents and leaders of social change who will transform communities through innovative startups and existing social enterprises. The program was created not only to tackle the most complex problems, but to help students become better employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Students in the program are involved in co-curricular activities and internships that will give them experience working in and interacting with social enterprises, gaining practical knowledge of the field and exposure to the diverse employment opportunities within the discipline. Students will leave this program with the business formation knowledge needed to start a social enterprise at any point in their career.