BA/BS in Economics

Economics addresses the causes of, and possible responses to, pressing problems such as discrimination, environmental damage, inequality, inflation, poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment. Students gain analytical tools to understand present-day economic issues and to form well-grounded views on economic and social policy. Macroeconomics looks at the economy as a whole, including growth, business cycles, inflation, unemployment and government policy. Microeconomics concentrates on how individuals, firms and societies allocate resources among competing uses. The program prepares students to apply these tools across many careers and to continue into graduate study in the field. Faculty research opportunities are part of the department, and the courses link to related areas such as international and development economics. Students who want to build on this foundation can look to the department's research activity and to funded opportunities for continuing in the discipline after graduation.