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Undergraduate

Economics

The Economics program at Assumption provides you with an understanding of economic principles and the tools used in addressing national and international issues. The study of economics requires rigorous inquiry and analysis, quantitative and critical thinking skills, and effective written and oral communication abilities.

Learning goals:

  1. Develop an understanding of the basic principles, concepts, and theories of the disciplines that we teach.
  2. Develop an ability to retrieve economic information.
  3. Develop an ability to use economic data using appropriate disciplinary methodology.
  4. Develop an ability to apply economic knowledge to critically analyze problems and their potential solutions.
  5. Develop effective written and oral communication skills

At Assumption, the pathways offered through the study of economics are as diverse as the interests of the students we serve. You can study the world of finance with internship opportunities from Worcester to Wall Street to London. You can tackle the vital policy issues of our day from climate change to struggling urban schools. You can take a global perspective by studying international development, trade, and finance. You can develop your quantitative side with advanced coursework in econometrics or sports data analysis. The Economics major is flexible and easily combined with minors from other fields so that coursework can be tailored to individual interests.

The economics program includes the major in economics, the major in economics with a business concentration, the minor in economics and the minor in law and economics. Students majoring in economics often choose to minor in a related field such as accounting, data analytics, sports management, marketing or management.

Program Contact

Smriti Rao, Ph.D

Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting, Professor of Economics, Global Studies Program Director
508-767-7565 Tsotsis Family Academic Center - Room 229

An Ideal Place To Learn

97%
'17 Economics majors who secured employment within 6 months of graduation.
Students from 33 states and 11 countries
13:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • First Year
    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    CSC 110 Excel (one credit course)
    MAT 117 Calculus
    Sophomore Year
    ECO115 Statistics

    Economics Elective

    Junior Year
    ECO 215 Econometrics
    ECO 310 Microeconomic Theory
    ECO 311 Macroeconomic Theory

    Economics Elective

    Senior Year

    Economics Elective

    Economics Elective

    ECO 499 Research Seminar

    * This is only a suggested sequence. Students should try to finish the courses listed above under first and sophomore year by the end of their sophomore year.

    Course Descriptions

  • First Year
    ECO110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    CSC 110 Excel (one credit course)
    MAT117 Calculus
    Sophomore Year
    ECO 115 Statistics
    ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I
    ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II
    ECO 311 Macroeconomic Theory
    Business Concentration Economics Elective
    Junior Year
    ECO 215 Econometrics
    ECO 310 Microeconomic Theory
    Business Concentration Economics Elective
    ECO 325 Corporate Finance
    MGT 100 or MKT 101 Introduction to Management or Principles of Marketing
    Senior Year
    Business Concentration Economics Elective
    ECO 499 Research Seminar

    Course Descriptions

  • Minor in Economics
    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 115 Statistics
    ECO 310/ECO 311 Microeconomic Theory OR Macroeconomic Theory

    Three economics electives at the 200 level or above selected in consultation with an Economics Department Advisor.

    Course Descriptions

  • Minor in Law and Economics
    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 230 Law and Economics
    ECO 331 Industrial Organization
    PHI 260 Business Ethics
    Plus One of the Following Courses
    POL 316 Constitutional Law
    POL 321 Public Policy
    GEO 251 Economic Geography
    GEO 252 Land Use Geography and Planning Law

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Colleen A. Fahy, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
Demetrius Kantarelis, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
Michael D. McKay
Adjunct Faculty
Smriti Rao, Ph.D
Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting Professor of Economics Global Studies Program Director
Brian Volz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
Thomas White, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Olivia Wu, Ph.D., CFA
Assistant Professor of Finance

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more. While internships are not required, many students complete at least one before graduation. Recent economics majors have interned at financial instructions such as Fidelity Investments, at research institutions such as the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and with political organizations such as Congressman Jim McGovern’s office.


Career Paths

Actua Group

Bain Capital

Bentall Kennedy

Berkshire Bank

BlueConic

Circo

Fidelity Investments

Hanover Insurance

Lockheed Martin

Morgan Stanley

Office of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez

Santander

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Preparing Students for Advanced Study


Graduate Schools Attended by Economics Majors

Assumption University will not only prepare you for a meaningful and successful career, but also for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Our graduates have been accepted to a number of prestigious institutions for the pursuit of addition study such as Colorado State University (Ph.D. Program in Economics); Clark University (Ph.D. Program in Economics); University of Connecticut (Ph.D. Program in Economics); University of North Carolina (Ph.D. Program in Economics); UMass Boston (M.A. in Applied Economics); University of Rochester (M.A. in Finance); and Northeastern University (Masters in Public Policy).

Accelerated BA/MBA Dual Degree Program

Apply as a high school senior into the dual degree program with one application and benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Assumption Business Leader Scholarship (per year for 5 years), special programming, and the ability to take up to two MBA courses during your senior year.  We offer two tracks to choose from: Management and CPA (for accounting majors only). Learn more about all of the University's dual degree offerings.

Programs Related to Economics

Finance

Undergraduate

Law and Economics

Undergraduate