BA in Economics

Economics is the study of how societies organize themselves to produce goods and services and to distribute those products among the members of society. In the modern world, a combination of market forces, public policies, and social customs perform these basic economic tasks. Economists use concepts, models, and data to analyze efficiency of resource use, fairness of economic outcomes, and development of global and national economies. The economics program is designed to introduce students to the tools of economic analysis and to show students how they can use those tools to analyze and better understand real-world situations.

Undergraduate training in economics is an excellent background for a variety of careers; these include banking and financial services, journalism, international business, public service, the diplomatic corps, entrepreneurial ventures, and government administration. An undergraduate major in economics is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate work in law, business administration, and international relations. A recent survey published by the National Association of Colleges & Employers [1] shows that salaries for Accounting, Economics, and Finance majors rank in the top ten. They also experienced the biggest growth, outpacing engineering and computer science.

Graduate work in economics can lead to careers in college teaching, research in public and private agencies, and business consulting. Those interested in studying economics at the graduate level should ask their economics professors what undergraduate coursework is appropriate and which graduate schools would be suitable.

Courses in economics are open to nonmajors on a space-available basis. Students majoring in other programs have found that certain economics courses are useful supplements to their own majors and a help in gaining employment. For example, political science majors can profit from studying public finance, economic development, international economics, and comparative economic systems. Mathematics and engineering students might elect to study regression analysis and intermediate microeconomics. Environmental conservation majors could choose to study ecological or energy economics. For more information on economics electives, please consult the Whittemore School Undergraduate Programs Office (McConnell 120) or the chairperson of the economics department.

Economics majors must complete eight courses in economics plus DS 420 with a grade of at least C- (1.67) in each course and an average grade of C or better. These courses must include ECON 605 and 611. In addition, majors must complete CS 401 and either MATH 420 or 424A. Coursework in accounting is recommended but not required.

Major credit toward ECON 605 and/or 611 will be awarded to transfer students only if equivalent courses have been taken at the junior level or above. Transfer students must take at least five of their economics courses at UNH.

Students may petition to substitute one business administration course for an economics elective if the course is at the 600 level or above and if a grade of Cñ or better is earned. Students may earn no more than 16 credits in internships, independent studies, field experience, and supervised student teaching experience. All economics majors must satisfy the bachelor of arts degree requirements.

The economics department offers three specialized options within the major:

Options:

By selecting economics electives from an approved list, a student majoring in economics can graduate with an option in financial and managerial economics, international and development economics, or public policy economics.