Majors in Economics

The Undergraduate Economics Program offers three undergraduate major degrees. All three degree program are intended for students who are interested in using economic theory and analysis to solve complex problems.  The three degrees share a solid grounding in economics theory, quantitative analysis (economic, mathematical, statistical), and communication skills. The three 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 economic, decision sciences, or public policy.

Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics.   Combining advanced mathematics with advanced economic theory is the hallmark of this curriculum. The advanced data analysis courses cover analytical and conceptual tools that are used in sophisticated models. 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.

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.