BA Mathematics and Economics

4 Years On Campus Joint-bachelors Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics at the University at Buffalo combines the study of economic systems and decision-making with mathematical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving. This joint major is well suited to students interested in understanding markets, financial trends, public policy, and economic behavior while building analytical skills for careers in finance, consulting, research, and data analysis.

Curriculum Structure

The following is an illustrative four-year pathway. Students should confirm their individual course sequence with advisers from both departments.

Year 1: Students establish their foundation in mathematical reasoning and economic principles through Calculus I, Introduction to Microeconomics, and Introduction to Macroeconomics. These subjects help students understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions while developing the quantitative skills needed for advanced study.

Year 2: Students strengthen their mathematical foundation through Calculus II and III, alongside economics coursework that develops their understanding of economic models and market behavior. They begin connecting mathematical techniques with real-world economic questions, preparing for more advanced theory and data analysis.

Year 3: Students advance into Microeconomic Theory I, Microeconomic Theory II, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics I, while continuing mathematics coursework in areas such as Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. This combination develops the ability to interpret economic data, analyze relationships, and apply mathematical reasoning to complex economic problems.

Year 4: Students complete advanced mathematics requirements, including Real Variables, Probability and Statistics, and an upper-level mathematics elective, alongside additional upper-level economics electives. These courses help students refine their analytical and research abilities for professional roles or further study in economics, mathematics, statistics, and related fields.

Focus Areas

Economic theory, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, probability and statistics, quantitative modeling, mathematical reasoning, economic research, and data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to apply mathematical techniques to economic problems, interpret economic data, understand market behavior, evaluate economic models, use quantitative reasoning for decision-making, and communicate analytical findings effectively. The joint major also supports preparation for graduate study in economics, mathematics, statistics, and other quantitatively oriented disciplines.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation specific to the Economics and Mathematics joint major. The curriculum emphasizes transferable quantitative, analytical, and research skills that can support careers in financial services, consulting, government, research, and data-focused roles.

Reputation (Employability and Career Outcomes)

The University at Buffalo’s Mathematics Department identifies career opportunities for mathematics graduates across banking, accounting, data processing, market research, healthcare, financial services, and computer science. Its Department of Economics also highlights careers in financial services, insurance, consulting, government, and research, making the joint major a versatile option for students who want to combine economic understanding with rigorous quantitative skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can build practical experience alongside their academic studies through undergraduate research, supervised teaching, internships, and independent study. These opportunities help students apply economic reasoning and mathematical analysis to real questions, strengthen their communication skills, and gain experience relevant to future employment or graduate study.

Economics Internships: Eligible students can earn academic credit through an approved economics-related internship. Previous placements have included Merrill Lynch, M&T Bank, and local government offices; students complete a weekly work log, a final report, and a supervisor evaluation.
Undergraduate Research: Qualified economics students can work with faculty on research projects after meeting the department’s GPA and course prerequisites. This provides experience with research design, economic analysis, and academic communication.
Independent Study: Eligible students can collaborate with a faculty mentor on a focused research topic or individualized course of study.
Undergraduate Teaching: Qualified students can apply to assist in economics recitation sections, lead review sessions, and help other students understand course material.
Mathematics Research and Study Abroad: The Mathematics Department offers directed or independent study and opportunities to explore advanced mathematics through programs such as Budapest Semesters in Mathematics and the Independent University of Moscow.
Career Design Center: Students can use career advising, internship searches, employer events, resume development, interview preparation, and alumni networking to prepare for employment.
Experiential Learning Network: Students can explore mentored projects across data, analytics, technology, government, finance, and other fields, with opportunities to earn digital badges documenting completed projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Economics and Mathematics joint major can prepare graduates for analytical work that requires both economic understanding and strong quantitative reasoning. Potential career paths include economic analyst, financial analyst, data analyst, and research analyst, depending on students’ technical skills, experience, and additional qualifications.

Career Services: The Career Design Center offers career advising, resume and interview support, internship and job listings, employer events, and alumni networking.
Employment and Salary Information: The university provides career-development resources and examples of graduate career paths, but a specific employment rate or average salary for this joint major was not identified in the official sources reviewed.
University–Industry Connections: Economics internship placements have included Merrill Lynch, M&T Bank, and local government offices. These are examples of previous student placements, not necessarily formal university partnership agreements.
Professional Value: Combining economics with mathematics gives students a useful foundation for quantitative analysis, economic modeling, financial decision-making, and research. Some professions may require additional qualifications, certifications, or postgraduate education.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue opportunities in financial services, insurance, consulting, government, market research, data analysis, and academic research, or continue into advanced study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a master’s degree or PhD in economics, mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, econometrics, public policy, finance, or data science. Students interested in research-intensive careers can use the joint major as a foundation for graduate programs that require strong mathematical preparation and quantitative analysis.