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Program Overview
The bachelor’s program in Economics at UMD offers two tracks—BA for broader application and BS for deeper quantitative focus—so you can tailor your studies to either careers in policy, business, law, or preparation for graduate school. Both options build a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and real-world problem solving, preparing you for diverse opportunities in government, finance, consulting, or academia .
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll begin with ECON 200 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 201 (Principles of Macroeconomics), learning how households, firms, and governments make decisions grounded in supply, demand, inflation, and national output. Meanwhile, you’ll complete your calculus requirement—BA students take MATH 120 or MATH 140, while BS students take MATH 140—providing essential math tools for upcoming theory classes.
Year 2
You’ll move into intermediate theory—and data analysis. BA students take ECON 305 (Intermediate Macro Theory & Policy) and ECON 306 (Intermediate Micro Theory & Policy). BS students follow a deeper quantitative path—ECON 300 (Methods & Tools), ECON 321 (Economic Statistics), followed by ECON 325 and 326 . This year builds your analytical rigor and prepares you for empirical economics and advanced modeling courses.
Year 3
Upper‑division electives open up into exciting applied fields. Choose from ECON 402 (Macro Models & Forecasting), ECON 414 (Game Theory), ECON 424 (Applied Econometrics), or ECON 426 (Cost‑Benefit Analysis). These electives allow you to explore areas like environmental, labor, public policy, behavioral economics, or financial econometrics with real data .
Year 4
You’ll round out your degree with more focused 400‑level electives (e.g., ECON 422—Econometrics I for BS students, plus additional BA/BS options) and fulfill experiential learning such as ECON 386. Many students complete independent projects, honors theses, or internships, translating theory into solutions for real-world economic challenges .
Focus Areas
Learning Outcomes
Analyze economic behavior using models; interpret descriptive and inferential statistics; evaluate government policies conceptually and quantitatively; (BA) apply economic insights to decision-making; (BS) conduct quantitative hypothesis testing using advanced econometric and mathematical tools.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The program is housed within UMD’s College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, fully accredited by regional and national standards. The BS track furnishes strong preparation for graduate-level work or data-driven careers, while the BA track is ideal for those planning MBAs or entering policy, government, or public service.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UMD’s Economics Department ranks within the top 25 nationally according to US News for graduate economics. Graduates are well-regarded by employers in Washington D.C.'s vibrant economics and policy sectors, and many go on to top graduate programs in law, business, and economics .
BA/BS Economics – University of Maryland College Park
At the University of Maryland, the Economics program is designed to build your analytical and practical skills through active engagement with data, economic models, and policy applications. You’ll have access to advanced computational tools and research centers that immerse you in current economic challenges, preparing you for diverse career paths or graduate study.
Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the program:
Use of software like Stata, R, Python, and SAS in the Economics Data Analysis Lab for hands-on econometric and statistical work.
Collaborative team projects and case studies that mirror real economic research and policy-making scenarios.
Internship opportunities through the university’s strong network with government agencies, financial institutions, and consulting firms.
Access to the Smith School of Business’s Center for Financial Policy for interdisciplinary economic research and practical insights.
Participation in workshops and seminars hosted by the Department of Economics and the Maryland Population Research Center.
Access to the McKeldin Library with specialized economics collections and digital resources.
These resources and opportunities ensure that students gain practical expertise, working directly with economic data and engaging with professionals in the field.
Graduates from UMD’s Economics program are well-prepared for careers in economic consulting, government agencies, financial services, and business strategy roles. The program blends strong theoretical foundations with practical data skills to open doors across sectors.
Key highlights that support your career path:
Career Center Resources: The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences provides dedicated career advising, resume workshops, and networking events tailored to economics students.
Employment & Salary: Approximately 90% of graduates find employment within six months, with starting salaries typically ranging from $55,000 to $70,000.
University-Industry Links: UMD has active collaborations with federal agencies, think tanks, and major corporations in the D.C. area, offering valuable experiential learning.
Program Recognition: Accredited and highly regarded for its analytical and quantitative approach.
Graduate Outcomes: Typical roles include economic analyst, financial planner, policy researcher, and data analyst.
Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, many students pursue graduate degrees in economics, public administration, or business, including UMD’s master’s programs or prestigious institutions nationwide.
Application. Official High School Transcripts. GPA score of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale. TOEFL iBT: 95 overall OR IELTS 7.0 overall. 2 Letters of Recommendation. Essay. ACT / SAT Scores (optional).Economist – 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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University of Maryland College Park
