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Economics (Politics and the Economy), BS

Build expertise in economic reasoning, data analysis, econometrics and policy evaluation as you explore policy in a variety of areas, as well as public finance and international affairs. Understanding the connections between politics and economics can prepare you to tackle complex hands-on problems, and to engage in economic and public policymaking decisions.

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An instructor explains rational choice to a class, exploring economic decisions in ASU's Economics (Politics and the Economy), BS program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
Any math course that meets the MATH designation, except MAT 114 College Mathematics.
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Economics (Politics and the Economy) degree description

If you wish to pursue careers in business, economic and political consulting, political science, law and government, the Bachelor of Science program in economics with a concentration in politics and the economy is for you.

In addition to economics coursework, the concentration requires courses that highlight the impact of government policies on the economy and the conditions under which government interventions may be warranted. You take political science courses that provide a deep understanding of political processes and institutions, as well as methodologies for understanding the behavior relevant to them.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Why specialize in politics and the economy at ASU?

Study within one of the country's largest economics departments, where roughly 50 faculty members bring expertise across economic theory, public policy, political economy, law and economics, international economics, environmental policy and data analytics. Housed in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, this concentration pairs rigorous economics training with coursework from the School of Politics and Global Studies. You can study policy in taxation, antitrust, environmental and health care areas, while building critical thinking skills that employers desire.

You can extend your learning through internships, honors research and the Arizona Legislative Internship Program.

Accelerated master's pathways let you start graduate study before finishing your bachelor's degree, with options including the Master of Science in economics (pathway coming soon), the Master of Public Administration, and the Master of Global Management.

Additional details

Connect with peers through the Student Economics Association; this department-sponsored organization open to all students.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
ECN 211 Macroeconomic Principles
ECN 212 Microeconomic Principles
ECN 312 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
ECN 313 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
ECN 310 Applied Regression and Data Analytics
ECN 475 Capstone in Economics

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

The world is increasingly interconnected, and studying abroad enables students to explore economics in other countries while developing in-demand professional skills, such as cross-cultural communication and problem-solving. Summer programs can provide experience at international financial institutions and help students increase their understanding of economics on a global scale.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Climate Change Analyst 6.1% $82,220
Compliance Manager 4.9% $141,900
Economist 4.7% $124,720
Environmental Economist 4.7% $124,720
Investment Fund Manager 9.7% $166,570
Lawyer 4.7% $159,670
Political Analyst -2.0% $142,080
Politician Not available Not available
Regulatory Affairs Manager 4.9% $141,900
Stock Broker 1.4% $78,660

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this politics and the economy concentration prepares you for

Graduates are well prepared for successful careers in business, economic and political consulting, law and government, whether they seek employment immediately upon graduation or choose to pursue advanced degrees in law, business, economics or political science.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Economics Program in CLAS | CRTVC 412
wpcareyecn@asu.edu
480-965-3531

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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