Our Degree Programs

We offer both undergraduate and graduate-level economics degrees. Currently we have both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics. There are four concentrations in the BS Economics. Both the BS and BA degrees require 33 semester hours of Economics, but differ with respect to the required cognate courses and are designed to help students achieve different career goals.

Economics, BS concentration options

The Economics, BS with concentration in Applied Economics (PDF) is designed for students who plan to work for business or industry. This option has fewer required mathematics courses than the quantitative option and instead requires selected courses in Communication, Accounting, and Finance that complement the course work in Economics.

The Economics, BS with concentration in Quantitative (PDF) is a great choice for students that want to pursue advanced graduate work in either economics or business. The additional mathematics courses included with this concentration are essential for preparation of master’s or doctoral economics degrees or for strong MBA programs.

The Economics, BS with concentration in Economic Data Analytics (PDF) option develops statistical and programming skills, economic insights, and experience in analyzing economic data to prepare students for rapidly expanding careers in data analytics. It is a more quantitative option that provides a direct path to our one-year master’s program in quantitative economics and econometrics, which enhances your career options even more.

The Economics, BS with concentration in Policy Analysis (PDF) option enables students to blend courses from other social sciences and health with an economics major to see public policy issues from several perspectives. It is our most multidisciplinary option. It also works well as a double major. It provides an excellent preparation for a career in government, policy analysis, or graduate studies in public policy.

Economics, BA

For students who are unsure about their career plans after finishing school, then the BA in Economics is a great choice. Both foreign language and a minor are required, which makes this a broad degree and provides preparation for a variety of careers. The BA is also an appropriate choice for students who are considering entering law school after completing the BA undergraduate degree. Appropriate minors for such a pre-law focus are Political Science, History, Philosophy, or English.

Quantitative Economics and Econometrics, MS

The Department of Economics also has a graduate offering, providing an MS in Quantitative Economics and Econometrics, which is designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program. Students in the MS program have the opportunity to learn from a diverse, and highly research-active faculty. Both applied and theoretical research is being conducted within the Department of Economics, which consists of productive scholars in the areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics, as well as econometrics. Graduates of the MS program in quantitative economics and econometrics may further their education at the doctoral level, or secure careers in banking, finance, insurance, and public policy analysis. Graduates with strong analytical and statistical backgrounds are always in demand.

Integrated Coastal Sciences Ph.D. Program

The Department of Coastal Studies offers an Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD Program which focuses on theoretical and quantitative analysis of coastal and marine systems that affect human livelihoods. Specific areas of focus include policy solutions for challenges specifically related to coastal and marine environments; understanding feedback between natural and human systems; management of renewable and non-renewable coastal resources; and valuation of non-market goods and services.