Economics studies the principles guiding the best use of resources. Important topics in economics include production; consumer choice; the distribution of income; and the causes of economic growth, recessions, and inflation.

Many economists analyze data to determine underlying relationships and trends, to predict the consequences of government policy, or to develop forecasts of future activity. Such work involves mathematics or statistics and often deals with current issues.

Students may pursue specialized study in economic theory, money and banking, public finance, labor economics, international trade, economic development, transportation, econometrics, regional economics, industrial organization, and economic systems.

A student majoring in economics may earn either the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degree. In earning a B.A. or B.S. degree, students choose between the general option and four different specialized tracks. The general degree is designed for flexibility. It works well for those who want to choose their own area of emphasis or perhaps earn a second major in another field. Many students prefer to specialize in a more narrow area of economics and choose one of the tracks within the major. The tracks are designed to give students the opportunity to develop those skills most relevant to a specific area within economics.

Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs

Students who begin graduate work after completing the BA or BS degree generally require more than one year to complete work for a master’s degree. However, a five-year program leading to a BA or BS in economics at the end of four years and a master of arts in economics at the end of five years is available for promising undergraduate students. Students who have completed their junior year and have outstanding scholastic records (GPA 3.2 or higher) are invited to join the program.

Each student, in consultation with a faculty advisor, will plan an individualized program of study that meets requirements for the BA or BS and the MA degrees. Features of the program include participation in research as an undergraduate and enrollment in graduate level courses in the senior year. Students participating in the program will be considered for financial assistance in the form of scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, and part-time work.