pause world-wide-web instagram volume-medium linkedin flickr basketball devices home pencil person-money rss slider-left-arrow slider-right-arrow slider-left-arrow slider-right-arrow star video-transcript close hamburger minus plus account arrow certificate city globe graduation-cap graph handshake info info-2 map play search snapchat twitter facebook file-text-o youtube tumblr camera file-text

Economics - B.A.

Economics is a social science that examines the production, distribution, sales and purchases of goods and services. It is a global force that influences business and government, and permeates every aspect of our lives.

Why Choose Economics?

The Well-Rounded Education

Both the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Business offer economics degrees. So which do you choose? Pursuing an economics degree in the School of Liberal Arts (B.A.) is ideal if you:

  • Would prefer to take a social or analytical approach to studying economics
  • Are interested in examining economic relationships on a global scale
  • Want flexibility in your career choice
  • Are considering an MBA

The B.A. in economics allows for customization, especially within the liberal arts. You may choose to pair it with a second major in communication, government or international studies. Regardless, the B.A. in economics, combined with the writing, interpersonal and critical thinking skills developed through a liberal arts education, will prepare you for a competitive career.

If you are interested in earning a Ph.D. in economics, we recommended that you:

  • Pursue an economics degree in the School of Business (B.S.)

OR

  • Double major in economics (B.A.) and mathematics

The Real World Preparation

Our professors are trusted experts in the field of economics. They are published authors and world-class researchers. Students who demonstrate exceptional understanding of the subject material will have opportunities to conduct research outside of the classroom one-on-one with professors.

You will also have one of the world’s greatest economic centers at your disposal: New York City. As an undergraduate student, you may have the chance to:

  • Tour New York City’s economic landmarks from Wall Street to the New York Stock Exchange
  • Intern at a Fortune 500 company
  • Take part in the College Fed Challenge, a rigorous academic competition judged by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The Facilities

The School of Business boasts a state-of-the-art finance lab outfitted with professional technology used in the industry. It is open during the day as a classroom and remains open until late in the evening for students who need to use the equipment for market-based group projects. Because class sizes are small, you often get to work with the technology individually. You have the opportunity to learn using live market data, which adds a practical element to theoretical topics. The lab includes:

  • A full-sized, real-time stock ticker
  • Two large flat panel TVs with scrolling financial data
  • HP 8200 series desktops with 22-inch dual monitors equipped with Morningstar Direct
  • 11 Bloomberg Terminals that offer:
    • Real-time and historic price data from around the world
    • Company financial data
    • Trading news
    • Analyst coverage
    • Professional analytic tools

What Will You Learn?

Choosing to major in economics will provide you with a strong understanding of:

  • Foundations of business
  • Business statistics
  • Macro & microeconomics
  • Price analysis
  • International economics
  • Econometrics
See the Degree Requirements

Economics is offered as a major and a minor. Students are encouraged to pursue a dual degree in economics and finance, which is officially recognized by the CFA Institute. This status is only given to schools whose degree programs cover at least 70% of the material that appears on the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, which is the certification needed to become a qualified investment or financial professional. Manhattan’s professors teach CFA review courses in-house at no extra cost, so students can go into the exam feeling confident.

What Will You Do?

A B.A. in economics prepares students for work in research or consulting firms in the private or public sectors. Many of these careers require the technical and interpersonal skills acquired while enrolled in this program.