Economics is a social science that employs logical reasoning to describe how people,
firms, and governments balance their desires with their limitations.
While pursuing a B.A. in Economics at Duquesne, you'll learn what motivates people
and how often-conflicting values affect behavior in the marketplace.
From individuals to groups, and corporations to governments, people behave differently
— and a well-trained student of economics can accurately analyze those differences
and their effects.
Economics majors go on to succeed in a wide variety of careers, prepared to work as
research and financial analysts in large and small businesses, consulting firms, and
at all levels of government.
The degree also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study, especially in
law, business (MBA), public policy, and economics.
What You'll Learn in Economics
Our curriculum blends rigorous quantitative training with a true liberal arts foundation.
Graduates leave with the ability to:
Analyze economic data and build statistical models using two dedicated econometrics
courses
Apply economic reasoning to history, psychology, sociology, and political systems
Conduct original research and defend it in a senior thesis
Evaluate policy and market questions using quantitative and qualitative methods
Present and publish research at an academic level, with opportunities in journals
and conferences
Program Information
The B.A. in Economics combines statistics, history, psychology, sociology, and political
economy. Explore motivations and behaviors in the marketplace. Balance desires and
limitations.
Sig Johnson, A'30, came to the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal
Arts all the way from Colorado to study economics.
It was at FAST, an advising event for first-year students, when the Honors College
student knew he made the right choice. Here, he spent the time ahead of the fall semester
meeting with professors, staff, and future classmates.
"I got to start building important relationships early," he said. "Meeting everyone
made the transition to college life feel a lot less daunting."
One of the early connections he made was Liberal Arts alumnus Braden Niles, A'25,
now a student at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law. Getting to walk alongside someone
a few years further down the same path gave Sig a sense of where a Liberal Arts degree
could take him.
"Economics at Duquesne is an absolute gem. The College also gives a great social life
in a vibrant location combined with a phenomenal education. The decision to come here
was easy," he said.
