Economics

Economics is a social science that studies the way that people, groups, institutions, and governments operate with limited resources to satisfy needs. It also studies how people make decisions and respond to incentives. Economists collect and analyze data to test against economic theories. 

The American Economic Association states that economics helps us understand historical trends, interpret headlines, and make future predictions. Economics has real-world implications and directly influences people and policy.

Experiential Learning

You will become an expert in collecting and analyzing data. Our students take high level courses, including two courses in Econometrics which uses statistics to test economic and business theories. 

You will also network with and learn from economists and business leaders. A program highlight is presenting your own research to the Economic Club of Pittsburgh!

View the Curriculum Guide

Program Information

Our curriculum is steeped in data analytics. Economics majors take a number of upper-level courses in data analytics including two courses in Econometrics that require students to complete several rigorous research projects.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

School

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business

Academic Department

Economics and Finance

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

69

From Our Students

Rusell Booth

"The Economics program has wonderful, intellectually curious professors. They have been my biggest advocates during this early stage of my career. Their passion for what they teach is infectious. Exploring their research interests has given me an appreciation for economic theory and application. This perspective has helped me understand the more finite aspects of capital markets."

Russell Booth Economics and Finance Major

Curriculum

View the Course Descriptions
The Economics major emphasizes data analytics - the study of how to make optimal decisions based on available information. Economics majors take two Econometrics courses to learn how to analyze data using industry software. Reporting empirical findings is an integral component of data analysis, so these courses are writing intensive.
  • ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits—Business Core)
  • ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits—Business Core)
  • ECON 301 Intermediate Microeconomics (3 credits)
  • ECON 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3 credits)
  • ECON 345 International Economics (3 credits)
  • ECON 353 Public Economics (3 credits)
  • ECON 481W Econometrics (3 credits)
  • ECON 484W Advanced Econometrics (3 credits)
Economics majors need 3 credits of electives unless they have a second Business major or minor.
  • ECON 319 Economics of Sports (3 credits)
  • ECON 320 Economics of Gender, Race, and Immigration (3 credits)
  • ECON 3901 Economics Senior Thesis (Independent Study) (3 credits)
  • FINC 433W Financial Markets and Institutions (3 credits)
Any 4 Economics courses at 300 level or above. 

Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.