Programs
In the Department of Economics at DU, we employ theory, history, quantitative and qualitative methods and interdisciplinary perspectives that will help students launch purposeful careers. As an undergraduate, you can major in economics or take the minor alongside your main course of study. For example, economics pairs well with various liberal arts degrees (such as philosophy, politics, history, sociology and psychology), benefits from mathematical and statistical tools, and relates to certain subjects in business while offering a more encompassing approach.
Graduate students can expand their knowledge of applied economics through our master’s program and pursue impactful research opportunities alongside faculty and partners in local government, nonprofits and in the private sector. Our five-year 4+1 dual degree program allows DU undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor of arts in economics and a master of science in economics and social policy.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
With our BA in economics, you'll build an in-depth understanding of economic growth and development locally, nationally and globally. Faculty challenge you to think critically as you research social and government policy alternatives and apply your findings both inside and outside the classroom. In this major, you can investigate the environmental impact of economic activities and study the relationship between financial markets and the economy.
Emphasizing conceptual understandings in addition to quantitative skills, we challenge you to explore new theories through heterodox economics. You can analyze economic structural changes and learn theories of business cycles, as well as investigate the choices and consequences of government policy alternatives. Once you've narrowed down an area of interest, you can complete an honors thesis.
Our program prepares students for careers in business, banking, government and education. Graduates hold positions in private industry and government as leaders, consultants or advisors. Economics is also a good foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in law, business and international studies.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
While many economics programs focus strictly on mainstream theories and quantitative skills, our master's program provides a bold alternative. Emphasizing conceptual understanding in addition to practical skills, such as quantitative analysis, policy analysis and mathematical modeling, we challenge you to explore new theories through heterodox economics. Our MA program challenges students to explore economic and social policy issues, organize complex ideas, connect difficult concepts, and apply their knowledge to shape economic decision making for better policy performance. With applied elective courses in many fields, like health economics and environmental economics, you can study the specific economic and social policy issues that interest you.
Your research culminates with a thesis project that requires you to connect what you've learned, provide evidence-based solutions to economic problems and articulate your arguments and conclusions. The quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, ability to think outside the box and expertise in utilizing econometric research gained in our program will enable you to enjoy long-term success as an economist in the public or private sector. Our recent graduates have launched careers in governmental agencies, policy research organizations, the business sector or within Denver's thriving startup and renewable energy sectors.
The MA in economics is now GRE optional.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
The stackable Graduate Certificate of Economics is designed for students interested in specializing or expanding their understanding of economics by taking graduate-level courses without having to commit to a two-year master’s program. It gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, as well as explore special topics of interest such as urban economics, econometrics, health economics, international economics, development economics, environmental economics, gender economics, macroeconomics or finance. Whether your goals are professional or personal we will work with you to build the most appropriate coursework plan.
Our departmental emphasis on mainstream and alternative economic theories, building out practical skillsets and applying knowledge to help analyze current events make this an excellent first step for anyone interested in boosting their credentials and expanding their professional opportunities.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics & Social Policy 4+1
About this Program
Our accelerated dual-degree program allows students to gain a solid grounding in economics, examine both mainstream and alternative theories, and advance their research as they simultaneously pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees. We teach students to critically evaluate economic theory so that they can influence policy discussions as a means to positively shape our world. Within our program, students can study a range of specific economic and social policy issues of greatest interest to them. The MS requires completing a policy-oriented internship or taking a comprehensive exam to demonstrate that they can apply what they have learned.
The analytical skills, ability to think outside the box and preparation to conduct insightful research helps prepare our graduates for careers with governmental agencies, policy research organizations, the business sector or within Denver's thriving startup and renewable energy sectors.
