Economics

BA • Minor

Male hand writing mathematical formulas on blurry background. Science and algebra concept. Double exposure

Want to change the world? Study economics.

It’s so much more than the economy. Economics is the framework that holds society together. It’s how we assign value, allocate resources, and make informed decisions to improve conditions and lives.

Economists study fiscal policy and business strategies, but they also tackle critical issues from global poverty, sustainability, and migration to inequity, mental health, school choice, and so much more. They identify flaws and propose solutions to affect substantive change.

Research, analyze, and articulate information to solve complex problems—that often lack clear answers.

Discover how to apply economic theory, statistics, and econometrics with real-world data and events to develop a holistic analysis and generate solutions. Use the invaluable skills you develop—critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication, presenting ideas, etc.—in whatever you pursue next.

Well-Prepared for Graduate Study

Our students enter a wide variety of graduate programs from law to accounting, financial mathematics to international affairs, hospitality management to education in highly respected schools across the country, including

Columbia University
Georgetown University
New York University
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania

The Senior Project—the culmination of your hard work.

It’s a research project that’s completely your own.

During both semesters of senior year, you’ll work independently and one-on-one with a professor to define your research question and plan the methodology to find the answer.

Through comprehensive literature review, data collection, and statistical analysis, you’ll arrive at your thesis and present your findings in a paper. You graduate with a work of original research, a toolbox of skills, and a sense of pride and accomplishment to launch your career.

Present your work in professional settings.

You may be selected to present your project on campus at the Annual Natural and Social Science Student Research Symposium or off-campus at the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference, among others.

Formulate your pitch.

The annual Startup Pitching Competition, the Purchase version of ABC’s Shark Tank, awards cash prizes for the brightest ideas. A panel of guest judges provides the feedback. The competition aligns with the Entrepreneurship course, but it’s open to all students on campus.

This Year's Winner

The 2023 Startup Competition Awards $5,000 in Prizes

The Economics Program’s Shark Tank-style event invites entrepreneurs to judge the inventive ideas of students from all majors.

Join a community within a community.

Many economics-focused activities and events create camaraderie within the major. And the sense of community campus-wide is often cited as the best thing about Purchase. Some highlights include:

Economics Club

Student-run club through the PSGA (Purchase Student Government Association)

Economics Book Club

Read and discuss economics-related books. Open to students and faculty from various majors. Recent books include Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein and Collective Illusions by Todd Ross.

The Pareto Improvement Unit

Economics faculty organize and supervise peer-to-peer tutoring. Most economics courses have dedicated, handpicked tutors.

GRE Club

Weekly exam preparation meetings for those who wish to pursue graduate school.

Alumni Network

A private LinkedIn group connects faculty and more than 150 alumni, while events on campus invite alumni and students to network in person.

Career Possibilities

Students with a BA in economics have found success in a wide variety of careers. Watch the American Economic Association’s video about a career in Economics.

Visit the Career Development Center to learn more.