Letters of Specialization

A letter of specialization in Political Economy enables students to build greater expertise in how political institutions, economic systems, and social factors interact to shape public policies, economic outcomes, and societal development. It combines elements of economics, political science, and sociology to understand the distribution of power, wealth, and resources within societies. Students who complete the letter gain a deeper understanding of how governments and markets function, the role of institutions in economic decision-making, and how political ideologies and policies influence economic behavior. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with critical thinking skills to analyze current global issues such as inequality, globalization, and economic crises, while offering insights into potential solutions to these challenges.

Requirements: Complete FOUR courses from the Political Economy Letter of Specialization course list. At least three classes must be ECON courses from the list. Each course must carry at least 3 credits and be taken for a letter grade. Students must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 2.0 across the four courses. Substitutions are not allowed. Access to classes not guaranteed; enrollment restrictions still apply.

Declaration Form should be completed when the last class for the letter is in progress. Declaration form HERE.

Full course catalog below. Check Spire or Schedule Builder for current semester offerings.

A letter of specialization in Industry and Finance enables students to build greater expertise in the ways that firms operate within markets, how industries are structured, and how economic principles can be applied to decision-making. It examines topics such as market competition, monetary policy, trade, and government regulation while regarding the impact of institutions, society, and ethics.  Students who complete the letter gain an understanding of the strategic and operational challenges businesses face, along with the tools to analyze a market and regulatory environment. This field equips students with practical skills to evaluate market dynamics and make informed decisions in the ever-evolving global economy.

Requirements: Complete FOUR courses from the Industry and Finance Letter of Specialization course list. At least three classes must be ECON courses from the list. Each course must carry at least 3 credits and be taken for a letter grade. Students must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 2.0 across the four courses. Substitutions are not allowed. Access to classes not guaranteed; restrictions still apply.

Finance primary majors are NOT eligible for the Industry and Finance Letter of Specialization due to the course redundancy between the credentials.

Declaration Form should be completed when the last class is in progress. Declaration form HERE. 

Full course catalog below. Check Spire or Schedule Builder for current semester course offerings.
 

A letter of specialization in Quantitative Economics enables students to build greater expertise in the application of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze economic phenomena, develop economic models, and test hypotheses. Students focus on using data and quantitative techniques, such as econometrics, optimization, and simulations, to understand economic relationships and predict outcomes, while considering the underlying ethics and biases in data. Students who complete the letter gain strong analytical and technical skills, enabling them to model complex economic systems, conduct empirical research, and interpret data to inform policy or business decisions. This field prepares students for careers in data analysis, economic forecasting, and decision-making in both the public and private sectors.

Requirements: Complete FOUR courses from the Quantitative Economics Letter of Specialization course list. At least three classes must be ECON courses from the list. Each course must carry at least 3 credits and be taken for a letter grade. Students must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 2.0 across the four courses. Substitutions are not allowed. Access to classes not guaranteed; restrictions still apply.

Math primary majors are NOT eligible for the Quantitative Economics Letter of Specialization due to the course redundancy between the credentials.

Econ majors (primary and secondary) admitted in Fall 2025 or later may not count Econ 201 as one of their 4 courses for this letter.

Students may take either Econ 452 or Resource Econ 312 from the Quantitative course list, but not both since they are equivalent courses. 

Declaration Form should be completed when the last class is in progress. Declaration form HERE. 

Full course catalog below. Check Spire or Schedule Builder for current semester offerings. 
 

A letter of specialization in International Economics enables students to build greater expertise in the study of economic interactions between countries, focusing on trade, investment, currency exchange, and global financial systems, as well as the differences in economic systems across nations and how these systems impact economic performance and societal outcomes. Students examine how countries’ distinct economic policies, institutions, and development strategies influence global trade patterns, economic growth, and the distribution of resources. Students who complete the letter gain insights into global markets, trade relations, and how different countries' economic models address challenges like inequality, development, and stability. This approach equips students with the tools to analyze global economic trends, compare national policies, and understand the broader implications of international events in a diverse, interconnected world.

Requirements: Complete FOUR courses from the International Economics Letter of Specialization course list. At least three classes must be ECON courses from the list. Each course must carry at least 3 credits and be taken for a letter grade. Students must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 2.0 across the four courses. Substitutions are not allowed. Access to classes not guaranteed; restrictions still apply.

Declaration form should be completed when the last class is in progress. Declaration form HERE.

Full course catalog below. Check Spire or Schedule Builder for current semester offerings.