Economics, B.A. - PAUL, UNH

Undergraduate

Economics

Build a strong base in economic theory and policy issues, with the flexibility to take a wide range of electives to meet your career goals.
2026
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
18*
Credit
128 hrs*
Full-time
3-4 yrs.
Part-time
N/A
View course catalog
three students in class

Paul College UnderGraduate Programs

The Economics major at UNH offers a versatile education that prepares you to understand how markets, businesses and governments shape our world. Here you'll build a strong base in economic theory and policy issues, with the flexibility to take a wide range of electives to meet your career goals. 

Many students pair economics with another major to broaden their skill set or choose the option in public policy and sustainability, while others have their eyes on law school. With an emphasis on data analysis, logical reasoning and clear communication, the economics major at UNH will equip you with the skills needed for success in business, consulting, policy analysis or graduate studies.

*number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements

Paul College Undergraduate Programs

Contact Cards

Robert Mohr
Professor
Robert.Mohr@unh.edu
Paul College, Room 370j, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-3302

What is economics?

Economics is the study of how societies organize themselves to produce goods and services and distribute those services among their members. It helps us understand how businesses decide what to produce and how much to charge. Economists also explore bigger questions, like why some countries are rich and others poor, and how government policies can affect the economy. They use concepts, models, and data to analyze efficiency of resource use, fairness of economic outcomes, and development of global and national economies.

Why study economics at UNH?

In the economics major at UNH you will learn economic theory, be introduced to the tools of economic analysis, and taught how to use these tools to better understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy, and society. You will work with and analyze data, learn to argue logically and persuasively, and communicate both orally and in writing. You’ll have flexibility to pick elective courses or can choose from three options: global trade and finance, money and financial markets, or public policy and sustainability. An undergraduate major in economics is excellent preparation for many jobs and graduate work in economics, law, business and data analytics, and business administration. If you are interested in the 4+1 accelerated master’s in economics, your academic advisor can help you develop a personalized course of study.

Potential careers

  • Banking or financial analyst
  • Business consulting
  • Data analytics
  • Economic development
  • Economic forecasting
  • Environmental conservation
  • Government administration
  • Journalism
  • Market research
  • Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
  • Supply chain management
  • Stock/commodities brokerage

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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Bachelor of Arts in Economics is designed to offer students the maximum flexibility in tailoring a program of study and provides a powerful platform for launching careers in almost all walks of life. Students are encouraged to take a wide variety of courses, double major, and take advantage of study abroad programs.

B.A. economics majors may select to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of one of the three options defined by the Department of Economics: Money and Financial Markets, Global Trade and Finance, or Public Policy and Sustainability.

02
Degree Plan
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Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
ECON 402
or ECON 401
 Principles of Economics (Micro)
or Principles of Economics (Macro)
 4
ECON 501 Business and Economic History 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
MATH 422
or MATH 424A
 Mathematics for Business Applications
or Calculus for Social Sciences
 4
PAUL 405 Freshman Academic Experience I 1
ADMN 403 Computing Essentials for Business 1
 Credits18
Spring
ECON 401
or ECON 402
 Principles of Economics (Macro)
or Principles of Economics (Micro)
 4
PAUL 406 Freshman Academic Experience II 1
Discovery 4
Discovery 4
Discovery 4
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
ECON 611 Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis 4
ADMN 510 Business Analytics and Statistics 4
Foreign Language 4
Discovery 4
 Credits16
Spring
ECON 605 Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis 4
Foriegn Language 4
Discovery 4
Discovery 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
ECON 565 Predictive Modeling: Data Driven Economic Analysis 4
Economics Elective 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
 Credits16
Spring
Economics Elective 4
Economics Elective 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
ECON 774 Senior Economics Seminar 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
 Credits16
Spring
Economics Elective 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
Course selected in consultation with advisor 1 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits131
1

Students can explore a second option, second major, minor, or general electives.

03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

B.A. economics majors must complete eleven courses in economics plus ADMN 510 with a grade of at least C- (1.67) in each Paul College major course and an average grade of 2.0 or better in major courses.

Required Courses
ADMN 403Computing Essentials for Business1
ADMN 510Business Analytics and Statistics4
ECON 401Principles of Economics (Macro)4
ECON 402Principles of Economics (Micro)4
ECON 501Business and Economic History4
ECON 565Predictive Modeling: Data Driven Economic Analysis4
ECON 605Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis4
or ECON 606 Intermediate Microeconomics with Calculus
ECON 611Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis4
MATH 422Mathematics for Business Applications4
or MATH 424A Calculus for Social Sciences
PAUL 405Freshman Academic Experience I1
PAUL 406Freshman Academic Experience II1
Business in Practice
PAUL 670BiP-Analytical Intelligence Topics2
Select one additional BiP course from the following:2
PAUL 660
BiP-Social Intelligence Topics
PAUL 670
BiP-Analytical Intelligence Topics
PAUL 680
BiP-Competitive Intelligence Topics
PAUL 690
BiP-Professional Intelligence Topics
Capstone
ECON 774Senior Economics Seminar 14
Electives
Select four (4) courses from the following: 216
ECON 620
Topics in Economics
ECON 620W
Topics in Economics
ECON 625
Economic History of the United States
ECON 635
Money and Banking
ECON 645
International Economics
ECON 652
Economics of Artificial Intelligence
ECON 653
Law and Economics
ECON 654
Industrial Economics and Business Innovation
ECON 655
Innovation in the Global Economy
ECON 656
Labor Economics
ECON 706
Economics of Climate Change
ECON 720
Economic Problems
ECON 720W
Economic Problems
ECON 726
Introduction to Econometrics
ECON 727
Advanced Econometrics
ECON 760
Game Theory
Total Credits59
1

ECON 774 Senior Economics Seminar is the capstone course for the B.A. major and satisfies the capstone requirement of the University Discovery Program.

2

Other elective courses by approval.

Coursework in accounting and econometrics is recommended but not required. B.A. economics majors may choose to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of the option in Public Policy and Sustainability.

04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students have core proficiency in microeconomics. They understand key concepts including opportunity cost, marginal analysis, voluntary exchange, diminishing marginal returns, equilibrium and market structure.
  • Students have core proficiency in macroeconomics. They understand key concepts including GDP, inflation, interest rates, business cycles, exchange rates, financial institutions and fiscal and monetary policy.
  • Students have strong oral communication skills. This includes fundamental skills in preparing and delivering presentations, as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
  • Students are able to use economic models to understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy and society.
  • Students are able to communicate economic concepts clearly in writing. This involves having strong fundamental writing skills as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
Students gather in the Bloomberg Terminal room in Paul College, with the camera focused on a male and female student looking over something on a laptop together.

Global Trade and Finance Option

Graduate with the skills you need to work with big companies that do business worldwide. You'll learn how trade rules affect countries, how to guess when money might lose value, and how cash gets around the world.

Money And Financial Markets Option

Understand money's role in society, analyze market fluctuations, and learn to manage risk using financial instruments like options and futures contracts. Emerge prepared for success in the financial sector.

Paul College Conference 2017
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Public Policy and Sustainability Option

Become someone who can leverage their business skills to make positive changes in the world. You'll study ways to solve big problems like climate change and unfair pay, and learn how money and laws can help or hurt the environment.

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