Economics BA
A Flexible Degree for Diverse Careers
Study how markets work and how government policy influences the economy while developing valuable analytical and problem solving skills you can apply to diverse careers. The Economics bachelor’s degree program at UNC focuses on practical applications of economics theory, offering a variety of enriching opportunities to participate in internships, research projects and service learning activities with businesses, government and other organizations in the community. You’ll be guided on your journey by award-winning faculty who bring real world economics experience to the classroom, and who are deeply dedicated to helping you succeed.
Degree Options
Design a course of study that fits your professional goals and interests. UNC's Economics program offers 4 areas of concentration: liberal arts economics, business economics, environmental economics, and international economic policy, as well as an Economics minor.
Economics B.A. – Liberal Arts Concentration
You may choose either to major in economics without a specific area of emphasis, or select an emphasis area that matches best with your interests and aspirations.
Economics B.A. – Business Economics Concentration
Ideal for students who are majoring in business and looking for a double major, the Business Economics emphasis includes courses in entrepreneurship and applied economics with a focus in business.
Economics B.A. – Environmental Policy Concentration
Explore topics in environmental economics including renewable and non-renewable natural resources, water resources, ecosystems, land use and biodiversity. A strong option for students double majoring in Geography and GIS, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Biology and Political Science.
Economics B.A. – International Economic Policy Concentration
Explore international economic policy as it relates to work in the private sector, government and non-profit. This emphasis is ideal for students who are double majoring in Political Science or Geography.
Minor Option
Economics Minor
The Economics Minor is a strong complement to many majors, including Anthropology, Business, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Geography and GIS, Mathematics, Political Science and Sociology. With this minor, you’ll be required to complete 18 credits, including Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics, followed by Intermediate Microeconomics or Macroeconomics and nine credits from 300 to 400 level ECON prefix courses, ENST 335 or MIND 286.
Related Programs
From the UNC Magazine
Fall/Winter 2018 Issue
Calm Water
Economics Professor Mark Eiswerth seeks solutions to complex - and sometimes contentious - environmental issues by considering human values and motives.
I try to teach [students] a little bit about how to facilitate a discussion among people with competing interests..."
Mark Eiswerth, Ph.D.
Your Future in Economics
Prepare for a wide range of careers with a bachelor’s degree in economics from UNC. You’ll find learning experiences inside and outside the classroom that will help set you apart in the job market. Even more, you’ll have the personal mentorship of caring and experienced faculty who are here to help you succeed.
Consider UNC’s Economics program if you:
- Enjoy examining issues and problem solving
- Want opportunities to apply your learning in practical settings
- Excel in small classes with close faculty mentorship
You’ll learn:
- Economics theories, tools and concepts
- How to apply economics theories to the real world
- Analytical reasoning and data analysis
Sample courses:
- Contemporary Economic Problems
- Economics of Entrepreneurship
- Labor Economics
- Energy Policy and Economics
- Economic Geography of the Industrialized World
- Economics of Gender
Beyond the Classroom
As an economics major, you’ll learn to analyze complex data and present it in a way that’s meaningful to others. Much of your work will likely involve the study of how goods, services and resources are produced and distributed. You might work in a specific field, such as public policy or the environment, or deal with a wide range of economic issues.
Where can your degree take you?
UNC’s Economics program provides a broad set of important business skills you can apply to a wide range of careers. Economics majors work in marketing departments, finance departments, research and management positions. An economics background can also be valuable in many different professional settings, from large corporations to small businesses, international firms and government agencies.
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