Turn insights into action in UMass Boston’s Economics BA program, exploring micro- and macroeconomic theory. Develop the skills to collect, organize, and analyze data and apply these concepts to practical challenges. Through courses, internships, and research opportunities, you’ll draw on both theory and practical experience, giving you the skills and knowledge employers value most.
Here’s your chance to:
Complete a for-credit internship that places you with local nonprofits, state representatives, policy organizations, and other employers, giving you real-world experience that often leads to job opportunities.
Take advantage of an accelerated master’s option that allows economics majors to earn both a BA and an MA in as little as five years, with strong placement into jobs and PhD programs.
Earn a degree that can take you anywhere, from law school, business school, public health, data science, business analytics, and more.
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Median salary for economists with bachelor’s degree
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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Annual mean salary economists Boston Area area
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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5 Years to a master’s degree through optional accelerated programs
Program has a strong track record of job placements and PhD program admissions
Fall Open House
Future Beacons! Join us for Fall Open House on October 24 or November 7. Prospective undergraduate students are invited to tour campus and learn how UMass Boston is made for you.
Work closely with faculty who are invested in your goals and career path, gaining practical experience through internships and research projects. With open access to professors and growing alumni connections, you’ll have support as you plan your next move after graduation.
Here’s where this degree can take you:
Financial Advisor
Accountant
Data Scientist
Consultant
Budgeting Specialist
Community Advocate
Economist
Educator
Example Employers of Program Graduates
Plan Your Education
How to Apply
First Year Student Deadlines: Fall
Early Action I: November 1
Early Action II: January 1
Regular Decision: June 15
Transfer Student Deadlines:
Fall Semester (Domestic): June 15
Spring Semester: December 15
Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.
Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.
Core Requirements (15 Credits) No course with a grade below C- may be applied toward this requirement.
No courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward this requirement.
ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 201 - Microeconomic Theory 3 Credit(s)
ECON 202 - Macroeconomic Theory 3 Credit(s)
ECON 205 - Statistical Methods 3 Credit(s) *
* One of the following statistics courses may be used in place of ECON 205:
ENVSCI 261 - Statistics for Environmental Science 3 Credit(s)
MATH 125 - Introductory Statistics 3 Credit(s)
MSIS 111L - Managerial Statistics 3 Credit(s)
PSYCH 370 - Statistics 3 Credit(s)
Mathematics Requirement (3 Credits)
Students may waive the mathematics requirement by placing into calculus on the proctored ALEKS exam.
MATH 129 - Pre-Calculus for Management and Social Science Students 3 Credit(s) or
MATH 130 - Precalculus 3 Credit(s)
Electives (15 Credits): Complete five ECON electives from the lists below.
At least two courses must be from the alternative approach list.
At least three courses must be at the 300-level or higher.
Alternative Approach Electives:
ECON 214GL - Ecological Economics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 308 - History of Economic Thought 3 Credit(s)
ECON 310 - Introduction to Marxist Analysis 3 Credit(s)
ECON 327 - Political Economy of Development in Africa 3 Credit(s)
ECON 336 - Economic Development 3 Credit(s)
ECON 337 - Emerging Economies in Asia 3 Credit(s)
ECON 338 - The Latin American Economy 3 Credit(s)
ECON 339 - Political Economy of International Migration 3 Credit(s)
ECON 345L - Natural Resources & Sustainable Development 3 Credit(s)
ECON 372 - Comparative Economic Systems 3 Credit(s)
ECON 391 - Unions and Collective Bargaining 3 Credit(s)
ECON 395 - The Economics of Social Welfare 3 Credit(s)
ECON 396 - The Economics of Inequality 3 Credit(s)
ECON 407 - Advanced Topics in Development Economics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 420 - Gender and Economics 3 Credit(s)
Other Electives:
ECON 212G - Economics of the Metropolitan Area 3 Credit(s)
ECON 318 - The Economics of State and Local Governments 3 Credit(s)
ECON 331 - Money and Financial Institutions 3 Credit(s)
ECON 334 - International Trade 3 Credit(s)
ECON 335 - International Finance 3 Credit(s)
ECON 349L - Economic Approaches to Environmental Problems 3 Credit(s)
ECON 480 - Health Economics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 390 - Labor Market Economics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 413 - Advanced Topics in Urban Economics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 417 - Public Finance 3 Credit(s)
ECON 435 - The Multinational Corporation 3 Credit(s)
ECON 452 - Econometrics 4 Credit(s)
ECON 453 - Advanced Macroeconomics 3 Credit(s)
ECON 476 - Internship in Economics 3-6 Credit(s)
ECON 479 - Independent Study 1-3 Credit(s)
ECON 489 - Senior Honors Project 3 Credit(s)
ECON 490 - Senior Honors Thesis 3 Credit(s)
Capstone (3 Credits) Take one additional economics course at the 400-level from the list of electives above to be counted as the capstone.
For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
In this program, you will:
Gain a strong foundation in economic theory, including micro and macroeconomic principles, and learn to apply them to on-the-job scenarios
Delve deep into data analysis, acquiring the skill you need to collect, organize, and analyze economic data
Emerge prepared for a career in economics and related fields with hands-on experience through internships and other opportunities, as well as a strong foundation in theory and research
Related Minors
Economics Minor Supplement any major with the versatile minor in economics, which consists of six courses including Econ 101- Introduction to Microeconomics and Econ 202- Introduction to Macroeconomics.
Gain practical experience in real-world settings.
Internships in Economics are available as part of the curriculum at Boston-area institutions engaged in research on economic issues, including government and non-government organizations. The class places students with local nonprofits, state representatives, policy organizations, and other roles, providing hands-on experience and class credits. Many internships also lead to job opportunities.
