Interviews with current Economics students
Chloe | Simran | Gabby | Chris
Why an Economics Major? Watch two videos of current UMass Economics Majors talking about why they choose economics at UMass?
Video 1 | Video 2
Declaring the Economics Major or Minor
Incoming students who are new to UMass are eligible to declare Economics as their primary major when entering UMass. (See below for UMass admissions information.)
Current UMass Amherst students who want to major or minor in Economics should follow the procedures outlined below to gain admittance to the program.
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. Although many Economics majors go on to careers in business, and you can use business electives for a small portion of our major requirments, the Economics major at UMass Amherst is not in the business school and is not an applied business major. If you are interested in pursuing a business-related career, we may be the right fit for you or you may want to consider other relevant majors.
Students interested in the Economics major or minor, please follow these steps:
1. 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 two levels of calculus, two intermediate theory courses, and at least one statistics course by the end of their sophomore year. All students who declare Economics as their primary major, who enter in Fall 2018 or later must complete the 3 course International and Intercultural requirement, described on number 11 on our Econ major page.
2. Meet with an Economics Peer advisor. The peer advisors can help you consider the major, answer your questions, and let you know what being an Economics Primary, Secondary or Minor might be like for you. You can attend their drop in hours Monday - Thursday when classes are in session, in person in 221 Crotty Hall.
- Mondays: Noon - 4pm
- Tuesdays: 10am - 2pm
- Wednesdays: 10am - Noon and 12:30pm - 4pm
- Thursdays: 10am - 2pm
3. Your Economics Peer Advisor will submit your Statement of Interest with your input. The Peer Advisors will help you determining how Economics will work for you by filling out a Statement of Interest. The Economics major is an open major and does not have specific requirements to join, such as predictor courses or minimum GPA. Submitting this form does not automatically change your major. Choosing a major is an important decision, and if you need more information before you commit to the economics major, you should submit the form and include any questions you have in the spaces provided. Once your form has been submitted, an advisor will contact you and set up an appointment if needed. Generally, you will be added to the major or receive a response within a few days, but this may take longer during busy advising periods like Registration.
4. Questions for a Peer Advisor? Fill out the form here! You will get a response during normal business hours.
Helpful Notes:
If you intend to make Economics your primary major, review the Economics major requirements including the International and Intercultural Requirements for students who entered UMass Fall 2018 or later. NOTE: Students switching to the Economics primary major should schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor before enrolling in classes for the next semester.
If you intend to add Economics as a secondary major and complete a typical Bachelor’s degree program (120 credits, one diploma with multiple credentials) you must complete all major requirements except the Economics Integrative Experience (IE) and Economics Junior Year Writing (JYW). Secondary majors who enter UMass Fall 2018 or later are expected to complete the 9 credit Intercultural and International requirement within the Econ major.
If you plan to pursue the Economics minor, you should review the minor requirements.
Admission Information for Prospective Freshmen, International and Transfer Students
Prospective UMass Amherst students must meet criteria set by the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The UMass Amherst application process is managed completely by Undergraduate Admissions. Prospective first-year, international, and transfer students should contact Undergraduate Admissions for all admissions matters, including information regarding course/credit transfer and admissions requirements.
Undergraduate Admissions: umass.edu/admissions
Admissions requirements: umass.edu/admissions/apply/admissions-requirements