Interviews with Economics students
If you're interested in exploring the Econ major at UMass, check out the four interviews below with recent Econ majors and graduates!
Chloe | Simran | Gabby | Chris
Why an Economics Major? Watch the two videos below of recent Econ majors and graduates talking about why they chose Economics at UMass!
Video 1 | Video 2
Declaring the Economics Major or Minor
Peer Office Hours to declare the Econ major or minor have now ended for the semester. If you'd like to let us know about your interest in declaring an Econ major or minor, please fill out our statement of interest form here.
- Current UMass Amherst students who want to major or minor in Econ should meet with an Economics Peer Advisor if you're declaring while fall or spring classes are in session. You are welcome to drop in during the Peer Office Hours listed here during fall and spring classes. Please use our statement of interest form here if you'd like to discuss declaring an Econ major or minor during winter or summer.
Peer Advisor office/drop in hours are held only during fall and spring semesters and only in person in Crotty Hall 221. Each summer and winter, Economics Advising activates a statement of interest online form that you may use to express interest in declaring an Econ major or minor. Please email the appropriate Econ Advisor if you have a pressing concern about declaring before classes begin next semester. Find Econ Advisor email addresses on our Advising webpage.
During fall and spring classes, Peer Advisors will help you in determining how Economics will work for you, and they will submit an online form to the department on your behalf to declare the Econ major or minor. The Economics major is an open major and does not have specific requirements to join, such as predictor courses or minimum GPA. Choosing a major is an important decision, and if you need more information before you commit to the Econ major, have a peer submit the form and include any questions you still have in the spaces provided on the form. Again, a Peer will help you with the form and submit it on your behalf.
Once your form has been submitted, a professional Economics Advisor will add the Econ major or minor per your request to your Spire record. Note that for some students with complex academic circumstances, or for those nearing expected graduation, an Econ Advisor may request a meeting with you before the major or minor is declared.
For most students, you will generally be added to the major or minor or receive a response from an Economics Advisor within a few days, but this may take longer during busy advising periods like Course Registration. Please plan accordingly and take care of new primary or secondary major and minor declarations ahead of busy Course Registration periods where possible. - Economics at UMass Amherst is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) major that focuses on the study of macro- and microeconomic theory, market structures, economic development, and public policy with an eye toward the development of critical thinking, data analysis, and civic engagement. Students apply these studies in a wide variety of fields upon graduation including business, government, research and non-profit work.
- Students interested in the Economics major or minor should consider if Economics is right for you. This is a rigorous, math-intensive program, which may not appeal to all students. Students who pursue the Economics major should be prepared to complete three math courses, including Calculus I, and two intermediate theory courses by the end of their sophomore year. All students who declare Economics as their primary major, and who entered UMass in Fall 2018 or later must complete the 3 course International and Intercultural requirement, as described on our Econ major webpage.
- Incoming students who are new to UMass are eligible to declare Economics as their primary major when entering UMass through the UMass Admissions Office.
Helpful Notes:
If you intend to make Economics your primary major, review the Economics major requirements carefully including the International and Intercultural Requirement for students who entered UMass Fall 2018 or later. Students switching to the Economics primary major should schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor before enrolling in classes for the following semester.
If you intend to add Economics as a secondary major for either a standard Bachelor’s degree (120 credits, one diploma with multiple credentials) or for a Dual Degree (150 credits, two diplomas), you must complete all major requirements except the Economics Integrative Experience (IE) and Economics Junior Year Writing in Economics. Secondary majors who enter UMass Fall 2018 or later are expected to complete the Intercultural and International requirement within the Econ major. On enrolling in Econ courses, please note that some courses are restricted temporarily to Econ primary majors at the beginning of Course Registration. Find more info on these course restrictions on our Courses webpage.
If you intend to pursue the Economics minor, you should carefully review our Economics minor requirements. On enrolling in Econ courses, please note that some courses are restricted temporarily to Econ primary majors at the beginning of Course Registration. Find more info on these course restrictions on our Courses webpage.