35 BEST BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN ECONOMICS

Perhaps Massachusetts Institute of Technology is best known for its hard sciences; however, this does not at all diminish the quality of its economics department. Apart from the Bachelor of Science in Economics, the department offers a BS in Mathematical Economics, as well as a BS in Computer Science/Economics/Data Science. One of the more notable aspects is the relative freedom MIT students have when it comes to electives. The flexibility in elective offerings is purposeful to allow students to create an individualized experience in the major that tailors to their interests and futures. It could look like a deep study of economic principles, or how economics interacts with technology or the historical narrative of economics in the world.

CUNY Brooklyn is another excellent school to attend in order to achieve a degree in economics. From a fiscal standpoint, it is accessible to more students than other schools may be. A reason for this is the existence of over 600 scholarships available that total over $1 million of funding for undergraduates. But this Brooklyn-based institution isn't just known for funding. The reputation of its faculty members is no joke. Some have won the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Obie Award, and even an Emmy Award. Brilliant minds reside at Brooklyn College, and students have complete access to them in the classroom.

In terms of geographical location, you can't go wrong with attending UC San Diego. But you also can't go wrong with their Economics Department which has been ranked as 14th in the nation by U.S. News & World Ranking. What sets this department apart from others is the quality of faculty as both instructors and researchers, many of whom contribute to the most popular undergraduate economics textbooks. As with UC San Diego students must apply to the major. Apart from the BA in Economics, UC San Diego also offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics-Economics. A wealth of electives are offered which include Decisions Under Uncertainty, Economics of Korea, Middle East Economics, and the Economics of Ocean Resources.

City University of New York - Hunter College offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Economics. It requires 30 major credits, which are made up of six core courses and four electives. Elective choices cover a variety of topics such as Women and Men in the Labor Market, Computer Applications in Economics, and Security & Investment Analysis. Students may achieve departmental honors if they maintain a 2.80 overall GPA, a 3.50 major GPA, and write an honors thesis. In addition, students can participate in the BA/MA program, and earn their master's degree in an accelerated fashion. Being based in New York City, CUNY Hunter College is able to host incredible guest speakers that add value to the economics program.

Economics students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are equipped to be well-rounded contributors in their future jobs. Some can choose an emphasis in Mathematics which leads to proficiency in analytical aspects of economics. There are over 2,000 faculty experts who contribute to the University of Wisconsin, which yields an average class size of 30. To achieve honors in the program, students must maintain an overall 3.30 GPA, with a 3.50 GPA in all ECON courses. Economics courses include Real Estate, Investment Theory, Contemporary Economics Issues, and The Financial System. A perk of Wisconsin-Madison is the Economics Career and Development Office which helps prepare and place students for and in the field.

In addition, the Bachelor of Arts in Economics, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers two concentrations in Monetary and Financial Economics and Quantitative Economics. Students can also participate in the Economics Club, the Economics Honor Society Omicron Delta Epsilon, as well as the intercollegiate Fed Challenge presented by the Federal Reserve. The major itself requires 33-38 credits, and students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 in major courses. These courses include The American Economy, Economic Issues of South Asia, Economics of Urban Problems, and Comparative Economic Systems. Students who think they will enter careers in business are encouraged to minor in Business Management.

The Economics and Finance Department at Buffalo State SUNY offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In addition, it offers minors in Business Economics, Economic Policy Analysis, and International Economics. Within the Bachelor of Science, students may concentrate either in applied economics or financial economics, both of which adequately prepare students to impact their future workplaces. Students can take courses such as Women in the Economy, Urban Economics, The Economics of Energy and the Environment, and Intro. To the Economic Analysis of Law. Buffalo State also directs its Center for Economic and Policy Studies, which is an interdisciplinary institution that considers policy challenges and options in the urban Great Lakes regions.

The University of California-Davis conducted a study which found that in general, 67 percent of recent alumni were employed after college, versus 84 percent of alumni who majored in their economics program. Factor influencing this could possibly be the unique specialization tracks economics majors may choose to pursue. They include Behavior & Strategy, Data Analytics & Economic Analysis, Economic History, International Macro-Finance, Policy, and Poverty & Inequality. UC Davis also offers Summer Abroad programs in Ghana, Cuba, France, and Spain, as well as Quarter Abroad programs in Australia, the UK, China, Spain, and Italy. Coursework covers topics such as Environmental Economics, Economics of Global Poverty, Economy of East Asia, and World Econ History Before the Industrial Revolution.

Economics is typically a popular major at most schools, but the University of California-Berkeley is the first school on this ranking that actually caps its program. Because the major is so popular and renowned, UC Berkeley students must apply to it, and admission is never guaranteed. Once admitted to the major, students can rest assured that UC Berkeley is committed to their success, evidenced but the Economics Tutoring Program, as well as the Student Learning Center Tutoring Program. UC Berkeley's Department of Economics also encourages its students to make the most of their time in college. They support study abroad and also provide plenty of research opportunities to their undergraduates. Motivated students are eligible to apply to the honors program, and can complete a thesis their senior year.

Barnard College is another school on this list that offers different major tracks within its Economics Department. It has tracks in general Economics, Political Economy, Economics & Mathematics, Economic & Social History, and Economics-Statistics. Each of these five is founded on a common core but allows students to focus on specific dimensions within economics. Students can also participate in an accelerated master's in Operations Research at Columbia University. The Economics major consists of 12 courses, where the final five consist of electives, thesis, and seminar. Courses include Logic and Limits of Economic Justice, Coding Markets, Economic History of the United States, and Migration and Economic Change. In addition, four awards are available to economics majors, as well as a department honor program.

The University of California-Irvine offers an excellent Major in Economics, but also has the infrastructure in place to offer majors in Business Economics, and Quantitative Economics as well. Despite the fact that students can only choose one of these majors, they are all eligible to pursue a specialization in International Issues & Economics. The honors program is available to all as well. UC Irvine also has study abroad options available, and an additional perk is that students who seek to spend time in countries not partnered with UC Irvine may partake in programs offered by other schools in the UC System. Outside of the core courses, economics majors must take six electives. These are categorized by general economics electives, quantitative electives, business electives, and management electives.

The University of California-Los Angeles not only offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics but also a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics. A precedent has also been established for a Bachelor of Science Mathematics/Economics double major. Students may also concentrate on Value Investing, and UCLA aspires to offer future concentrations in Corporate Strategy & Competition, Data Analytics, Global Economics, and Public Finance & Economic Policy. A five-year Accelerated Master's in Applied Economics is also available through UC Santa Cruz. The Department of Economics at UCLA also offers scholarships that range from $1,500 - $5,000. At least twelve are listed on the department website. Courses cover topics such as Finance, Designed Markets, Organization of Firms, Investments, and Pricing and Strategy. When a study break is needed, students like to get ice-cream sandwiches from their beloved Diddy Riese.

Although we've listed the Bachelor of Science in Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology also offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics & International Affairs, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Global Economics & Modern Languages. In addition, students are able to minor in Energy Systems through the college of engineering, which studies how energy systems relate to modern economies. The focus areas of the BS Economics program are Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Economics, and Industrial Organization. Coursework for these includes NEtwork Economics, Statistics, Econometric Analysis, and Forecasting. There are 24 semester hours of required coursework, plus nine semester hours of upper-division electives.

In general, the economics program at the University of North Carolina teaches inquiry of the structures and problems of economics affecting our society. Students have unique opportunities at UNC including a Joint Degree Program with the National University of Singapore, a Credential in Quantitative Financial Economics, a minor in Entrepreneurship, a minor in Philosophy/Politics/Economics, Honors, and Undergraduate Awards. On the extracurricular level, students can participate in the Economics Club, Women in Economics, the Fed Challenge Team, and Omicron Delta Epsilon. Additionally, students rave about student life, with many functions to attend, as well as national-caliber Division I sports programs to cheer on.

Having been founded in 1880, the Department of Economics at the University of Michigan has an incredible history. One perk of being around for a while is an extensive network alumnus. Students have access to this through the Economics Alumni Relationship Network, where they engage in one-on-one mentorship with successful alumni, receiving personalized career and academic advice. Students can also learn internationally through the university's study abroad ties in countries such as Germany, Peru, India, Ghana, New Zealand, Ecuador, Morocco, and Brazil. The major requires 30 minimum credits that cover 15 credits of core courses and 15 elective courses. Coursework ranges from Growth Theory to Strategy, Public Finance, an Survey of Labor Economics.

Princeton University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics that affords students an elite education. For good reason, economics is one of the more popular majors at Princeton. It requires both Junior Independent Work, as Well as Senior Independent Work, the latter of which require a thesis. Prizes are awarded for the most excellent independent work. In addition to the conventional major, the department makes available a track in Political Economy. Or, if more oriented at the business world, students can work towards a certificate in Finance. On-campus activities include a Liaison Committee that is selected by concentrators in the department. This committee has a voice in departmental matters. Off-campus, students can study abroad-ideally during the spring of either their junior or sophomore year.

Rutgers University would define economics as a "social science that studies decision making given limited resources." Bearing this in mind, it provides tools and knowledge to understand economic systems, research, and analysis. Faculty members have published research annually since at least 2006. Students receive education from professors who are active contributors to the field. Requirements for the major include 43 total credits. 25 of these credits are a core curriculum, while 18 of these credits are electives. Coursework at Rutgers includes Institutional Economics, Economics of Health, Managerial Economics, and Economics of Labor. Additionally, many students have been known to double major, combining economics with finance.

Berea's Economics Program develops competent economists in an inclusive educational space. As a goal, the Economics and Business Department tries to provide theories and principles of economies and businesses. Students can participate in independent studies, summer research, and internships-provided through the Raymond E. and Margaret Mason Business Internship Program. The economics department additionally recognizes stellar scholarship with three programmatic awards every spring. In addition to the major, students can pursue concentrations in either Methods and Models or International Politics and Policy. There is also an opportunity to minor in Business Administration. The program provides academic support with Economics and Business TAs available every evening from Sunday through Thursday. Berea College as a whole offers the Center for Teaching and Learning where students can receive additional help. Lastly, a major aspect of Berea is its No-Tuition Promise, making it possible to graduate without debt.

Dartmouth College offers a richly rewarding major in Economics. Once past the introductory courses, higher-level courses are taught in small sections, so students have plenty of space to interact with their professors. Seminars are also taught in small sections where students engage in a scientific method of inquiry, projecting hypotheses by collecting and analyzing data. Although most students fit into the general major, precedent exists for some to modify Economics with Psychology, Computer Science, or Mathematics. Extra-classroom opportunities take many forms at Dartmouth. The first involves undergraduate research, most of which receive financial support from the Welton Fund. The second involves study abroad opportunities in places such as Milan, Oxford, and London. In addition, Dartmouth sponsors a Political Economy Project that seeks to answer questions involving economics, policy, and ethics. It is an emphatically interdisciplinary project that exhibits liberal arts to the fullest.

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University was founded in 1764 as an Ivy League university, and it currently has about 6,580 undergraduate students. Economics is one of the most popular offerings at Brown University. The department is excellent, and also provides the opportunity to double with math, applied math, or computer science. Students can further concentrate in Advanced Economics or Mathematical Finance tracks. Areas of study include Economics History, Finance/Investment/Strategy, Econometrics/Research Methods, Development, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics. Elective offerings cover topics such as Welfare Economics, Bargaining Theory, Current Global Macroeconomic Challenges, Health, Hunger + the Household, and Corporate Strategy.

Within Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences lies an Economics Department that understands the needs of its undergraduate students. Namely, that within the broad interest of economics, different students have individualized interests. The department, therefore, offers tracks in Strategy, Research, Policy, International & Development, Finance, and Behavioral & Experimental Economics. It takes 80 units to achieve this major, and 30 of those are core economics courses. Five of those units manifest in a Policy Writing course, and 20 are elective economics courses. The remaining 25 units are general education courses. Prospective students can look forward to unique classes such as Economics of Health and Medical Care, Imperfect Competition, Economics of Labor Markets, and Economics of Education.

The Economics Department at CUNY Queens College prepares its students for diverse fields but definitely orients curriculum at preparations for complex business environments and global society. As such, the curriculum looks at issues like economic growth and development, unemployment, poverty, inflation, finance, and urban decay. The department has $7,500 available scholarships for students. Coursework covers areas such as Research Methods, Industrial Organization, International Finance, and International Economics. Students can also undergo a 12-credit Advanced Certificate in Risk Management. Queens College features a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, which is ideal for an intimate learning environment where professors and students are able to establish great rapport.

The economics program at Yale University encourages a broader understanding of not just the economy, but also issues of charity, poverty, health reform, international trade, and gender and racial wage gaps. In addition, the program is sensitive to those who may not feel completely confident in their mathematical abilities. Perhaps one of the greatest features for Yale economics students is the research opportunities available. During the year, students can work with professors through a paid Tobin Research Assistantship. Outside of that, the Herb Scarf Summer Research Opportunity is an excellent offering. No prerequisites are required for entering the major, and 12 courses are required for the Bachelor of Arts. If a student places out of an introductory course, it must be replaced by an additional elective. This is a great policy considering elective offerings such as Neuroeconomics for Economics, Equality, Economics of Natural Resources, and Development Economics: Focus on South Asia.

Within the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University, the Department of Economics offers, both, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. The ultimate goal of these degrees is to teach students a specific way of thinking and asking about different issues. Students develop a base in economic thinking early in the program, and they apply that to different subject areas such as Public Finance; Gender and Race; Poverty and Inequality, or even Sports. This department offers five economics scholarships to its students outside of the university's aid package. It also offers three 5-year programs. The first is an "Econ Fastrack" which combines a BS and MS in Economics. The other two are Bachelor in Economics-Master in Public Service and Bachelor in Economics-Master in International Affairs. It's a perk of a large department that offers degrees up to the Ph.D. Level.

In the heart of St. Paul is the University of Minnesota that offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics. Interestingly, this program is provided through the College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. This leads to a unique and necessary perspective that studies the relationship between social justice and economics. Fifty-two of the 120 credit hours are taken within the major, and cover typical courses such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. This program easily allows for study abroad, and as a bigger school, the University of Minnesota has ties in countries including the UK, Thailand, Ireland, Australia, and others. In addition to what general students may receive from the financial aid office, the Department of Applied Economics offers five departmental scholarships to its students.