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  1. Home
  2. Black School of Business
  3. Academic Programs
Students track economic indicators in class.

Economics

Looking for a business degree with the flexibility to accommodate your wide-ranging interests? You found it. The B.A. in Economics from Penn State Behrend examines economics relationships from the perspectives of both business and public policy. That means you’ll take courses in business and also in arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.

The decision-making skills that Economics majors learn are needed across all sectors and segments of our economy, so you’ll find employment opportunities in government, business, manufacturing, finance, banking, labor organizations, and academia.

Why Penn State Behrend?

At Penn State Behrend, you’ll learn from our experienced faculty in small classes—meaning your professors will get to know you and your career goals. You’ll also have opportunities for real-world experiences, including undergraduate research projects and internships.

One chance for real-world learning is close at hand, thanks to Behrend’s Economics Research Institute of Erie. As an Economics student, you’ll have the chance to work closely with institute faculty members to gather, analyze, and report on data used to forecast shifts in the region’s economy.

Business Economics and Economics Programs
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What Will I Study in Economics?

You’ll build a business foundation in courses like micro and macroeconomic theory, money and banking, regression analysis, behavioral economics, and data analysis. Then you’ll supplement that with coursework in other fields, like public policy or computer programming.

To see the full Economics curriculum, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.

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Who Hires Economics Majors?

Typical entry-level positions of Economics graduates include actuary, research and development analyst, securities trader, quality assurance engineer, systems manager, and international policy strategy manager.

Recent Economics graduates are employed at BNY Mellon, PNC Bank, Progressive, Kaiser Permanente, STERIS, and the federal government, among other organizations.

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More to Love

Thanks to the flexibility of the B.A. in Economics, you can easily add a certificate (or two!) to customize your studies. Consider a certificate in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, Global Awareness, or Crime, Psychology, and Public Policy.

Request info about the Economics major

Economics

  • Advice for Majors
  • Economics Faculty
  • Request More Information

DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Dr. Xin (Jessica) Zhao​
256 Burke
814-898-6256
[email protected]

DISCIPLINE LEAD

Dr. Kerry A. Adzima
276 Burke
814-898-6096
[email protected]

Apply to Behrend
Learn More

Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

The Black School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the world’s largest business education alliance.

See Also

  • Curriculum
  • University Bulletin
  • Applied Economics Minor
  • Economics Newsletter
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Penn State Behrend

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
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