Embrace a major that will take you anywhere through an understanding of how a society uses its limited resources, and how its people deal with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. With median salaries ranking among engineers, economics is one of the most in demand majors in today’s job market. Although often thought of in terms of wealth and finance, this skillset is applicable to a variety of disciplines, from business and government to the environment, health care, innovation and more. Economics, at its core, teaches decision making skills, which is valuable to any employer.
What is economics?
Economics is the study of how societies organize themselves to produce goods and services and distribute those services among its members. It helps us understand how businesses decide what to produce and how much to charge. Economists also explore bigger questions, like why some countries are rich and others poor, and how government policies can affect the economy. They use concepts, models, and data to analyze efficiency of resource use, fairness of economic outcomes, and development of global and national economies.
Why study economics at UNH?
In the economics major at UNH you will be learn economic theory, be introduced to the tools of economic analysis, and taught how to use these tools to better understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy, and society. You will work with and analyze data, learn to argue logically and persuasively, and communicate both orally and in writing. You’ll have flexibility picking elective courses, or can choose from three specializations: global trade and finance, money and financial markets, or public policy and sustainability. An undergraduate major in economics is excellent preparation for many jobs and graduate work in economics, law, business administration and international relations. 4+1 option: As an undergraduate student you can complete prerequisites giving you a jump-start on a UNH master's in economics.
Potential careers
- Banking and financial services
- Diplomatic Corps.
- Economic development
- Economic forecasting
- Entrepreneurial ventures
- Environmental conservation
- Government administration
- Journalism
- Market research
- Stock/commodities brokerage
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As countries consider addressing childcare challenges for working parents, new research from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) urges caution regarding potential government interventions to finance the cost. In a study published in the Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Loris Rubini, an associate professor of economics, highlights the unintended consequences of Chile's government…Learn More -
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Marketing and Public Relations Intern at Agentry PRThis job is helping me develop an understanding of how this industry works, and it’s giving me insight into whether I want to pursue public relations. I'm confident it will open doors for me.Learn More -
Sustainability Fellow at Scrapp RecylingClara Richards '23 Economics: Public Policy + Sustainability "The last few years I've mostly had internships I couldn't picture myself taking on as a career. But they helped me towards an important realization: I want to make a difference with my career and truly help people. That's why my current position atLearn More -
Economics + Justice Studies Dual Major | Albany, NY"Paul College definitely gave me a challenge, but the experience has shaped me into who I am. I wouldn’t be the person I am, or going to law school, without UNH."Learn More
Curriculum & Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Economics is designed to offer students the maximum flexibility in tailoring a program of study and provides a powerful platform for launching careers in almost all walks of life. Students are encouraged to take a wide variety of courses, double major, and take advantage of study abroad programs.
B.A. economics majors may select to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of one of the three options defined by the Department of Economics: Money and Financial Markets, Global Trade and Finance, or Public Policy and Sustainability.
Degree Requirements
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Major Requirements
B.A. economics majors must complete nine courses in economics plus ADMN 510 with a grade of at least C- (1.67) in each Paul College major course and an average grade of 2.0 or better in major courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | ||
| ECON 401 | Principles of Economics (Macro) | 4 |
| ECON 402 | Principles of Economics (Micro) | 4 |
| ECON 501 | Business and Economic History | 4 |
| ADMN 403 | Computing Essentials for Business | 1 |
| MATH 422 | Mathematics for Business Applications | 4 |
| or MATH 424A | Calculus for Social Sciences | |
| PAUL 405 | Freshman Academic Experience I | 1 |
| PAUL 406 | Freshman Academic Experience II | 1 |
| PHIL 431 | Business Ethics | 4 |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| ADMN 510 | Business Statistics | 4 |
| ECON 605 | Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis | 4 |
| or ECON 606 | Intermediate Microeconomics with Calculus | |
| ECON 611 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis | 4 |
| Junior and Senior Years | ||
| ECON 774 | Senior Economics Seminar 1 | 4 |
| Select four (4) additional ECON electives 2 | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 55 | |
- 1
ECON 774 Senior Economics Seminar is the capstone course for the B.A. major and satisfies the capstone requirement of the University Discovery Program.
- 2
Specific electives for the BA Options must be chosen from an approved list of courses.
Coursework in accounting and econometrics is recommended but not required. B.A. economics majors may choose to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of one of the three options defined by the Department of Economics.
- Students have core proficiency in microeconomics. They understand key concepts including opportunity cost, marginal analysis, voluntary exchange, diminishing marginal returns, equilibrium and market structure.
- Students have core proficiency in macroeconomics. They understand key concepts including GDP, inflation, interest rates, business cycles, exchange rates, financial institutions and fiscal and monetary policy.
- Students have strong oral communication skills. This includes fundamental skills in preparing and delivering presentations, as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
- Students are able to use economic models to understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy and society.
- Students are able to communicate economic concepts clearly in writing. This involves having strong fundamental writing skills as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
