Economics Major (B.A.)

Economics Major (B.A.)

Paul College Students

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 members of society. Economists use concepts, models and data to analyze efficiency of resource use, fairness of economic outcomes, and development of global and national economies. The Paul College economics program is designed to introduce you to the tools of economic analysis and show you how you can use these tools to better understand real-world situations.

Why study economics at UNH?

With a global reputation for outstanding teaching and research the Economics Department at Paul College provides a vibrant atmosphere for learning. In the Economics B.A. major, you’ll build a powerful platform for launching a career in almost all walks of life. You’ll work with and analyze data, argue logically and persuasively, and communicate these arguments both orally and in writing. You’ll have flexibility in the choice of electives, or you can choose from three specializations: global trade and finance, money and financial markets, public policy and sustainability. An undergraduate major in economics also is excellent preparation for graduate work in economics, law, business administration and international relations. Paul College offers two degrees in economics at the graduate level: The Master of Arts in Economics and Doctor of Philosophy 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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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.

B.A. economics majors must complete ten (10) courses in economics, plus PAUL 405/PAUL 406, ADMN 403, ADMN 510, a math course (MATH 422, MATH 424A, or equivalent), and an ethics course (PHIL 431 or equivalent). Econometrics is highly recommended but not required.

Economics Major (B.A.)

B.A. economics majors must complete nine courses in economics plus ADMN 510 Business Statistics 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.

Freshman Year
ECON 401Principles of Economics (Macro)4
ECON 402Principles of Economics (Micro)4
ECON 501Business and Economic History4
ADMN 403Computing Essentials for Business1
MATH 422Mathematics for Business Applications4
or MATH 424A Calculus for Social Sciences
PAUL 405Freshman Academic Experience I1
PAUL 406Freshman Academic Experience II1
PHIL 431Business Ethics4
Sophomore Year
ADMN 510Business Statistics4
ECON 605Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis4
or ECON 606 Intermediate Microeconomics with Calculus
ECON 611Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis4
Junior and Senior Years
ECON 774Senior Economics Seminar 14
Select four (4) additional ECON electives 216
Total Credits55
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 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.

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