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Undergraduate Study

As an economics major at Rensselaer you will get the concepts and tools you need to succeed in today's careers. With advance planning, you may also choose to do a dual major in economics plus another degree program. Most economics majors at RPI are also dual majoring in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Math, Science or Management. If they choose their electives carefully, students with another major at RPI can usually add economics as a second major without having to take any more courses than are required for their first major. Engineers are an exception and typically need to take about 10 additional credits over 4 years, a rather modest investment in return for graduating with two majors. Another possibility is a minor in economics.

Our program provides a solid education in economics and related social sciences plus many opportunities for integrating applied research in the natural sciences and technology. In addition to the base in Introductory Economics, Managerial Economics, and Intermediate Macroeconomics your course options may include Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, International Economics, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Public Finance, Government Regulation or Industrial Organization. These and other courses offered in our department can be combined with courses in other departments and Schools at Rensselaer, so you can tailor your course of study to your own personal interests and career plans.

• enjoy a sound liberal arts education in a technical environment
• attend small classes using interactive teaching methods
• work one-on-one with faculty members on research projects
• have access to Rensselaer's extensive computing facilities and wide range of software connected to the campus network

The Economics Curriculum

As an economics major at Rensselaer, you can design a program that best suits your educational needs and career goals by choosing from a number of course electives. With the assistance of your faculty advisor, you can choose from courses that are applied in focus and at the same time link applications to theory and concepts. Our curriculum focuses on current issues in economics and incorporates quantitative methods, computer applications, and the opportunity for hands on, interactive learning. We place high value on student involvement and provide opportunities in our courses for both student-to-student and student-to-faculty interaction. The template below describes the degree requirements.

1- Science options are CHEM-1100, CHEM-1200, PHYS-1100, PHYS-1200, ERTH-1030, ERTH-1040. Other sequences may be substitute with approval.
2- This is a special section of this course for H&SS students. MATH-1010 may be substituted.
*- As required
**- Special version of this course for H&SS majors.

Undergraduate Research in Economics

Through Rensselaer's Undergraduate Research Program, qualified students receive valuable training in applied economic research and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Under the guidance of faculty, students are able to participate in, as well as contribute to, the department's research programs. This opportunity will increase your understanding of relevant economic research issues and provide specific expertise regarding issues such as the impact of economic activity on human societies and the environment or how technological change affects industry competition and the economy. These opportunities for applied research also give you a much sought after advantage in your job search since applied skills are vital in today's work environments.

For many careers, the Master's degree is the appropriate entry-level degree. Rensselaer's department of economics offers a five-year B.S./M.S. program to students who, with appropriate planning, can receive both degrees in five years rather than six. In addition, particularly capable students may be admitted to the Master's in Business Administration program at the beginning of their senior year.