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.

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

Student success

Graduate schools

Brown University
Clark University
George Washington University
Northeastern University
Tufts University
University of Connecticut
UMass Law, MBA

Career placements

Citizens Bank
CVS Health
Dell-EMC
Federal Depository Insurance Commission (FDIC)
Fidelity
Oracle
RTI International
State Street
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. House of Representatives

Economics mean starting salary:
$51,487

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2022 Undergraduate Alumni

UMassD's undergraduate experiences

Honors College

Take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars.

Study Abroad

Earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field.

Bhen with his art students at Talibon Elementary School in Bohol, Philippines.

Undergraduate Research

Faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects.

Student studying at Claire T. Carney Library

University Studies

Gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills.

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

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.

Economics faculty

Biyan Tang

Devon Lynch

Merve Meral, PhD

Neal Olitsky, PhD

Randy Hall

Sarah Cosgrove, PhD

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