Certificate in Applied Economic Research on Cooperative Enterprises

Offered by the Department of Economics at UMass Amherst, the Certificate in Applied Economic Research on Cooperative Enterprises gives you hands-on experience conducting applied economic research with cooperative firms. In this context, co-ops are groups of individuals working together to meet their common needs through a jointly owned and controlled enterprise, often with the goal of positive social impact.

In this 15-credit certificate, you’ll choose from a flexible range of courses, including micro- and macroeconomics, advanced research methodology, and the economics of co-ops.

In addition to your coursework, you’ll complete a field-based research internship with a local co-op organization. Students have collaborated with firms such as the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, Valley Alliance of Worker Cooperatives, Collective Copies, Pedal People, and more. At the end, you’ll present your research results at a mini-conference for your peers, faculty, members of the Local Cooperative Community, and the public.

The Certificate in Applied Economic Research on Cooperative Enterprises is open to undergraduate students matriculated at UMass Amherst of any major.