Economics
BA, BS
Economics is the science of decision-making. It provides a framework for understanding how human interactions and exchanges work. Economists identify and analyze the costs and benefits of financial and policy decisions and look for trends in data.
We offer a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in economics so that you can personalize your education to align with your goals. Whether you choose a BA or BS, we'll help you develop analytical skills that will enable you to successfully enter any number of industries as a professional.
As an economics major at UMass Dartmouth, you'll learn how to:
- collect and analyze micro and macroeconomic data
- evaluate findings from data analysis
- formulate recommendations for business decisions and policymakers
- interpret and forecast market trends
- research economic issues and evaluate policy solutions
Economists pursue careers in business, economic journalism, finance, government, insurance, management, public policy and real estate. Your degree will also prepare you for graduate study in areas such as business, policy, and law.
Our curriculum provides a sound foundation in economic theory and practice by focusing on a variety of applied fields which emphasize international, national, and regional economic problems, issues, and policies.
You'll gain the practical skills necessary for intelligent decision-making and administration in business and government. You'll also develop quantitative skills as you learn graphical and mathematical analysis.
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
The BA in economics focuses on economic theory and application while providing sufficient quantitative skills for analytical careers. Capitalizing on the multidisciplinary nature of economics, students will support their major studies with a comprehensive liberal arts background.
You’ll prepare yourself to critique policy options and communicate complex concepts to non-economists. This degree is well suited to students seeking positions in local and state government or secondary education.
You'll complete 36 credits in courses related to your major, including an internship and a statistics lab. Requirements across humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, foreign language, and free electives or a second major or minor comprise the remainder of your 120 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Economics
The BS in economics provides a more quantitative focus while still incorporating a sound theoretical foundation and ample opportunity to explore a variety of applied fields such as health, education, international trade and finance, growth and stability, and environmental and public economics.
You'll gain the practical skills to analyze large data sets, inform data-driven decisions, and communicate your results in the context of an economics degree focused on evaluation of costs and benefits and intelligent decision-making.
You'll complete 36 credits in courses related to your major including an internship and a statistics lab as well as econometrics and an econometrics lab. College of Arts & Sciences requirements include six credits of math and/or data analytics in exchange for fewer requirements from the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages. Free electives or a second major or minor make up the remainder of the 120 credits for your degree.
What line of work is not impacted by economics? Develop the critical thinking and analytical skills employers are looking for by minoring in economics. Open to all UMass Dartmouth majors, the minor requires 18 credit hours to complete.
Economics mean starting salary: $86,750
NACE Data Collection of Class of 2023 Undergraduate Alumni
UMassD advantages
- Experience: Join faculty in their research or explore an internship
- Community: Get involved by joining the Economics Association and our chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the Economics Honors Society
- Network: Attend the department's seminar series, which features speakers from industry and visiting faculty
Rankings
- 100% of economics majors are employed within six months of graduation - Class of 2023 NACE survey
Expand your opportunities
- 3+3 Law degree: If you are thinking about law school, consider UMass Law's accelerated program. Your first year at UMass Law counts as your senior year at UMass Dartmouth.
- Master's in Public Policy: Earn your master's degree in public policy
Teacher preparation
Your path to becoming a middle or high school teacher in Economics.
Study online
Online & Continuing Education at UMass Dartmouth offers:
- BA in economics online
- a major in Healthcare Administration, housed in the economics department, for healthcare professionals holding an associate's degree