Economics
Take me to the Department
of Economics.
Undergraduate Academic Advisors: J. Kevin Crocker,
1034 Thompson Hall,
413.545.0954; Elizabeth Kazinskas, 1038 Thompson Hall, 413.545.0855.
The Field
Economists attempt to understand the economic choices of individuals, families, firms, and other institutions. For example, how do parents allocate time and other family resources, or how do fi rms decide what to produce and whom to hire? Economists also attempt to understand the workings of the economy as a whole. What causes infl ation, unemployment or inequality? How do regulation and deregulation of industries affect product prices and quality? Why does the cost of medical care rise faster than other costs? Economists have developed a body of principles and methods that help them to think about these problems. The study of economics is the study of those principles and methods, and their application to questions such as those mentioned above.
The Department of Economics has faculty representing a wide range of specialties within economics, and a wide range of approaches to the field. All members of the faculty, which includes many internationally known scholars, teach undergraduate courses and are accessible to undergraduate students.
The Major
All economics majors take courses in two basic areas of economics—microeconomics and macroeconomics—as well as in statistics and mathematics. Students choose the remaining courses themselves, in accordance with their interests and career objectives. Every student takes at least four courses of his or her choice in economics; either courses in methods or courses in applied areas. In addition, students may substitute a collateral field composed of five courses taken outside of economics for two otherwise required economics courses. Examples of such fields are history, international relations, business management, and political science.
Although some first-year and transfer students are admitted directly into the economics major upon entering UMass Amherst, students who wish to change their major to economics must successfully complete three predictor courses before being admitted: ECON 103: Introduction to Microeconomics, ECON 104: Introduction to Macroeconomics, and either MATH 127: Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I or MATH 131: Calculus I. Students wishing to major in economics should meet with an undergraduate advisor in Thompson 1032 or 1034.
The major requirements include the courses mentioned above, MATH 128 or MATH 132, one statistics course (RES-ECON 211, RES-ECON 212, STATISTC 140, STATISTC 501, or STATISTC 515), ECON 203: Intermediate Microeconomics, ECON 204: Intermediate Macroeconomics, and the junior year writing requirement.
Students must choose one of two options for their additional upper-level credits. Option A requires six upper level courses in economics, numbered 300 or above (other than ECON 383). Option B allows students to take four upper level courses in economics, numbered 300 or above (other than ECON 383) and five courses comprising an approved collateral field. The collateral field must be an area in which economic principles are relevant or which encompasses material relevant to the study of economics. Students may meet the requirement with the completion of a second major, a UMass Amherst minor or certifi cate program, or the completion of a group of fi ve courses chosen by the student and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
No minor in Economics is available.
Honors
Contact the departmental honors coordinator for information on how to pursue honors opportunities within the major.
Study Abroad and Internships
Economics majors benefit by acquiring practical experience. The department encourages students to do internships, to see what being in the field of economics is like and to help prepare for employment or graduate study.
Study Abraod is encouraged as well. Economics majors have studied at institutions in Australia, Denmark, England, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, Spain and many other countries. Go to the International Programs Office for details.
Career Opportunities
A substantial majority of economics majors seek employment after graduation. Placements typically include managerial, sales, and staff positions in many different sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, banking and fi nance, advertising, insurance, communication, wholesaling, retailing, social service, government, and non-profit institutions. A number of graduates go on to graduate work, some immediately after graduation and some after several years of work experience. Most enter MBA programs, while many attend law school or go on to graduate work in economics. A few do graduate work in other fields; these are typically students with second majors or minors in another discipline.
Department of Economics
1034 Thompson Hall
413.545.0855
Undergraduate Academic Advisors: J. Kevin Crocker, 1034 Thompson Hall, 413.545.0954; Elizabeth Kazinskas, 1038 Thompson Hall, 413.545.0855.
