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The BA in Economics at The New School offers a critical and interdisciplinary approach, blending quantitative analysis with historical, philosophical, and societal perspectives. It’s ideal for students who want to explore global economic issues—like inequality, development, and environmental challenges—through both technical rigor and social critique.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1–2
Students kick off with ULEC 2231 Introduction to Political Economy, which introduces foundational economic theories within broader social and political contexts. Alongside, you’ll take an integrative course—such as history, philosophy, or sociology—to situate economic ideas in real-world debates and hone critical thinking.
Year 2–3
You’ll advance to theory with LECO 3823 Intermediate Microeconomics and LECO 3877 Intermediate Macroeconomics, building mathematical models and policy frameworks. Then dive into LECO 3010 Introduction to Econometric Methods and Applications, where you’ll analyze data to test economic theories and inform policy decisions.
Year 3–4
Here, students choose from 300-level electives like LECO 3038 The Global South Today or LECO 2041 Economic History of Capitalism, exploring development, inequality, and institutional change. For your capstone, select either LECO 4200 Senior Seminar or complete a LECO 4990 Independent Senior Thesis, investigating a topic you're passionate about under faculty mentorship.
Focus areas: Political economy, development, economic history, econometrics, inequality, global capitalism
Learning outcomes: Develop critical economic perspectives, apply quantitative and qualitative methods, engage ethically with global economic issues
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited through Eugene Lang College, with strong pathways into nonprofits, international organizations, government, media, and advanced academic programs.
Reputation (employability rankings): Graduates frequently advance into careers at the UN, NGOs, community development firms, and continue to master’s and PhD programs—benefitting from The New School's strong New York City network.
The New School’s BA Economics program is designed to blend rigorous economic theory with social justice and real-world problem-solving. Students develop practical skills through project-based learning and community engagement.
Experiential learning includes:
Group projects that analyze contemporary economic issues with a focus on policy impact.
Internships facilitated through the university’s strong connections with NGOs, government, and businesses in New York City.
Use of data analysis software like Stata and R for hands-on quantitative skills.
Access to the university’s research centers focused on urban economics and inequality.
Guest lectures and workshops with industry professionals and economists.
Completing the BA Economics at The New School equips you for meaningful careers in economic research, social policy, financial services, and nonprofit sectors. Graduates often become economic analysts, policy researchers, financial advisors, or program managers. Here’s what makes this program stand out:
The New School’s Career Services offers tailored support including internship placements, job fairs, and workshops focused on social impact careers.
Around 80% of graduates find employment within a year, with average starting salaries near $55,000.
The school collaborates closely with New York City’s economic development agencies and NGOs, providing hands-on industry connections.
The program is accredited by NASPAA, affirming its commitment to high-quality education in public affairs and economics.
Alumni success includes roles in government, international organizations, and socially conscious businesses.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance to master’s degrees in economics, urban policy, international development, or pursue law school to broaden their professional horizons.
Official transcript, Essays, Letter of recommendation, Test scores: TOEFL (IB) is 100, for IELTS is 7.0, and for PTE is 68Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategyInvestment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banksData Analyst or Data Scientist – Use programming languages like Python R and SQL and statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights for business or policy decisionsActuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firmsManagement Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performanceFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisionsPolicy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agenciesQuantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisionsCertified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporationsEconomic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizationsMarketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporationsFinancial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategiesInternational Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World BankFederal Reserve Analyst or Central Banker – Support monetary policy economic research and financial regulation to promote economic stability and growth at regional Federal Reserve Banks or the Board of GovernorsEntrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
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The New School
