51³Ô¹ÏÍø

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Economics Major

Bachelor of Arts in EconomicsÌý

Understand social behavior and business conduct from an economist’s perspective with the Bachelor of Arts in Economics in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program helps you think critically and logically about the economy.Ìý

The Economics Major curriculum emphasizes using an orderly way of thinking about—and solving—problems that can arise when making choices in situations that are beyond your direct experience. Coursework helps you gain the abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills used in economics. You’ll study economic aspects of current events and public policy, microeconomic and macroeconomic analyses, economics in the context of specific sectors of the economy or economic dilemmas, global economic issues and more.

Students are well-positioned for careers in both public and private sectors, including careers in business, consulting, government, health sciences, international relations, public policy and more.ÌýÌý

Choosing Between 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Economics DegreesÌý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers three unique economics undergraduate degrees, each with a clear focus and tailored for specific career outcomes. In addition to the Economics Major, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers the following economics degree programs.

  • The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical EconomicsÌýin the College of Science and Technology specializes in the mathematical approach to economics. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics, finance and other disciplines that require equal grounding in economics and mathematics.
  • The Bachelor of Business Administration in EconomicsÌýin the Fox School of Business is ideal for students interested in acquiring a general business background with specialized exposure to economics. This major prepares students for management roles in both the public and private sectors.
Students are concentrating on their laptops during class.

Classes & Curriculum

Courses offered in the Economics BA degree program include the following.

  • Econometrics
  • The Economics of Education and Human Capital
  • Economics Inequality
  • The Economics of Sports
  • International Monetary Economics
  • International Trade

Students are required to complete a senior capstone project through the Economics in Writing Seminar course.

Learn more about the Economics BAÌýcurriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional DevelopmentÌýin the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contacts

For questions regarding the Economics Major, contact the following staff member.

Belinda Wilson is the administrator in the Economics Department.
Phone:Ìý215-204-0472
Email:Ìý

The following staff members lead the Economics Department.

Michael Bognanno is the chair. Ìý
Email:ÌýÌý

Michael Leeds is the director of undergraduate studies.
Phone: (215) 204-8030
Email:

Janice Vincent is the coordinator.Ìý
Phone: 215-204-8880Ìý
Email:Ìý

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

TheÌý is a student professional organization committed to offering students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of economics, while providing a forum for discussion of specific issues of interest and the exploration of future career possibilities.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information