Economics

Economics is the study of human energy – how we organize our efforts to get what we want. Market exchange plays a central role in this process, but processes of conflict and coordination that take place outside of markets are also important. Economics contains two broad sub-disciplines: microeconomics analyzes the individual behavior of households, business firms, and governmental entities; while macroeconomics focuses upon aggregate economic performance of nations and their interdependencies in the global economy.

Undergraduate program options include a Bachelor’s degree, a minor, and multiple certificates.

Welcome to the Economics Community

Economics attempts to understand the economic choices of individuals, families, firms, and other institutions. For example, how do parents allocate time and other family resources? How do firms decide what to produce and whom to hire? Economists also attempt to understand the workings of the economy as a whole. What causes inflation, unemployment or inequality? How do regulation and deregulation of industries affect product prices and quality? Why does the cost of medical care rise faster than other costs? Economists have developed a body of principles and methods which help them to think about these problems. The study of economics is the study of those principles and methods, and their application to questions such as those mentioned above.

Economics majors all take courses in two basic areas of economics: microeconomics and macroeconomics; and in statistics and mathematics, which are useful tools in the study of economics. The remaining courses are chosen by the students themselves, in accordance with their interests and career objectives. Every student takes at least four courses of his or her choice in Economics; these can be courses in methods or courses in applied areas. Every student also has the option of substituting a five-course collateral field composed of courses taken outside of Economics for two otherwise required courses in Economics, as described in “The Major”; and “The Collateral Field Option.” Examples of such fields are: history, international relations, business management, and political science.

New Leadership Opportunity – SBS Ambassador Program

The Pathways Center is excited to launch a new Ambassador Pilot Program to help develop new SBS student leaders. These leaders will work with the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Pathways Center and the Director of Student Success …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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SBS Internship & Study Abroad Scholarships – Opening Soon!

Mark your calendars for upcoming scholarship opportunities! The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) offers scholarships to support your career and study abroad interests. Soon we will be opening scholarships for spring opportunities. Please check out the dates below, …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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The Key to Academic Excellence: YOU!

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, author of Teach Students How to Learn, describes metacognition as the process of thinking about your own thinking and being consciously aware of yourself as a problem solver. We all struggle with procrastination, and she suggests …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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Featured Alumni

Becca Eige’18, Economics

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Tom Aulenbach’19, Economics

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Trace Dodge’19, Economics & Political Science

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Featured Resources

Economics: Domestic Exchange & Study Abroad

The Economics Department encourages students to study away from Umass and will work with you to fullfill economics major and …

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Economics: Awards & Scholarships

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Economics: Internships & Careers

To keep up to date with Economics Department events and announcements, internship and job postings, fellowship opportunities, Undergrad Economics Club …

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Skill-Building With Linkedin Learning Classes

See below for skill-building classes – visit LinkedIn Learning for more.

Python for Students

Taught by Madecraft
There is no better time to learn Python than when you are young. Python is a powerful language for automation,…
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Learning Data Analytics: 1 Foundations

Taught by Robin Hunt
Are you interested in pursuing a career in data analytics? In this course, instructor Robin Hunt brings you into the…
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Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365) (2018)

Taught by Dennis Taylor
Get up to speed with Microsoft Excel, the world’s most popular spreadsheet program. Follow along with Excel expert Dennis Taylor…
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Presentation Tips for Pitching to Investors

Taught by Jessica Chen
View Jessica’s LinkedIn Newsletter Landing a meeting with investors is a big opportunity—and a key test of your business. Investors…
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Nano Tips for Using Excel with Miss Excel (2021)

Taught by Kat Norton
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. Here, join Miss Excel…
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Understanding Capital Markets

Taught by Michael McDonald
Capital markets are a crucial area of finance—and investors aren’t the only ones impacted. Retirement, buying a house, and long-term…
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Blockchain Basics

Taught by Jonathan Reichental
View Jonathan’s LinkedIn Newsletter Blockchain technology demands attention. And it’s not just due to the way it revolutionized monetary transactions.…
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Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Essential Training

Taught by Adam Wilbert
Master the fundamentals of SQL Server 2019, the industry-leading database management platform from Microsoft. In this course, instructor Adam Wilbert…
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Accounting Foundations: Understanding the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)

Taught by Denise Probert
While working in accounting or the broader financial field is often centered around numbers, dollars, and other known quantities, there…
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Financial Modeling Foundations

Taught by Michael McDonald
By distilling key information regarding cash flow levels and risks, financial modeling helps decision-makers make informed choices based on data…
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Tableau Essential Training (2021)

Taught by Curt Frye
Tableau is a powerful and versatile data analytics and visualization tool that many consider indispensable for data science work. Its…
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Outlook Quick Tips (2017)

Taught by Nick Brazzi
Get quick answers to your most urgent Outlook questions. These short tutorials help users work faster and smarter with Outlook,…
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Creating a Business Plan

Taught by Mike Figliuolo
View Mike’s LinkedIn Newsletter Looking to build a business or expand one you’re already running? You’ll need to build a…
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Cryptocurrency Foundations (2018)

Taught by Jonathan Reichental
View Jonathan’s LinkedIn Newsletter The digital revolution has impacted almost every aspect of our lives, including the way money is…
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Salesforce Essential Training

Taught by Jamie Grettum
If you work in sales or are looking for a job in sales, chances are you need to know Salesforce,…
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Learning Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies (2018)

Taught by Tom Geller
Bitcoin is a form of money that only exists online. While it’s making headlines around the world, many people don’t…
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Excel: PivotTables for Beginners

Taught by Dave Ludwig
More from LinkedIn Learning’s top expertsBusiness Software Newsletter PivotTables don’t have to be scary! This powerful Excel feature cuts the…
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From Excel to SQL

Taught by Madecraft
Data is powerful, and the ability to access it quickly and accurately is important. In this course, instructor James Parkin…
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PowerPoint: Designing Better Slides (2017)

Taught by Heather Ackmann
Designed for non-designers, this course introduces average business professionals to key design components and requirements for purposeful PowerPoint slide design.…
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PowerPoint Essential Training (Office 365/Microsoft 365) (2020)

Taught by Jess Stratton
You don’t have to be a designer to create a great visual presentation. Learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint for…
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Relevant Courses

SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…
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Research Opportunities

Economics Undergraduate Research Assistantship (EURA)

The Department of Economics has instituted a program of undergraduate research assistantships in which current students majoring in economics work …

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Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Job Titles
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.