Economics Major: Public Policy and Sustainability Option (B.A.)

The Option in Public Policy and Sustainability (B.A. degree) examines the factors that influence economic, social, and environmental outcomes, such as unemployment, poverty, economic inequality, health disparities, technological innovation, and pollution. Students will develop the institutional knowledge and theoretical perspective to understand the impact that decisions of individuals, firms, communities, and governments have on such outcomes. Students will analyze the impact of specific government policies and potential reforms, theoretically and empirically.

This option is designed for students seeking careers in policy analysis and research positions at government agencies; think tanks such as RAND Corporation, Urban Institute, and Mathematica Policy Research; consulting firms such as Abt Associates; and non-governmental organizations.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Economics majors must complete nine courses in economics plus ADMN 510 with a grade of at least C- (1.67) in each Paul College major course and an average grade of 2.0 or better in major courses.

Coursework in accounting is recommended but not required. B.A. economics majors may choose to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of one of the three options defined by the Department of Economics.

¹

Course satisfies the capstone requirement of the University Discovery Program.

²

Specific electives for the BA Options must be chosen from an approved list of courses.

³

Minimum of two ECON courses must be selected for the option. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the option requirements.

⁴

Satisfies the requirement of the option, but does not count toward the four-elective requirement of the economics B.A. degree.

⁵

 Course may not be counted toward the option requirements more than once.

Sample Degree Plan

¹

Students can explore a second option, second major, minor, or general electives.

²

Students can use three ECON elective courses to satisfy both the Public Policy and Sustainability option and the Economics Elective requirement for the core major required courses.  

• Students have core proficiency in  microeconomics. They understand key concepts including opportunity cost, marginal analysis, voluntary exchange, diminishing marginal returns, equilibrium and market structure.
• Students have core proficiency in macroeconomics. They understand key concepts including GDP, inflation, interest rates, business cycles, exchange rates, financial institutions and fiscal and monetary policy.
• Students have strong oral communication skills. This includes fundamental skills in preparing and delivering presentations, as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
• Students are able to use economic models to understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy and society.
• Students are able to communicate economic concepts clearly in writing. This involves having strong fundamental writing skills as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.