John Gasper, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs; Teaching Professor of Economics

Jennifer Wegner, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs

Location: Tepper Quad, Suite 2500

https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/undergraduate-programs/economics

At its most fundamental level, economics is the study of how scarce resources are allocated. What will be produced and consumed, how much, and by whom? These questions are central to the well-being of people throughout the world. Economists identify, model, and analyze problems with the objective of developing practical and efficient solutions to challenges confronting society. Economists are also active participants in the processes and institutions through which economic policies are implemented. In the public arena sphere, economists contribute to the design of programs and incentive systems to foster efficient implementation of policies. In the private sector, economists use  modeling and data-analytic skills, both in identifying ways to enhance productive efficiency within the firm and in developing strategies to enhance effectiveness of the firm as it competes in the global marketplace. 

Upon major declaration, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Economics or Bachelor of Science in Economics are affiliated with the Tepper School of Business. This means that students complete the Tepper general education requirements and are subject to all Tepper School policies and procedures. Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Economics+Mathematics first declare the Bachelor of Science in Economics degree and are then able to apply for Economics+Mathematics major. The academic college affiliation for students pursuing majors in Economics+Politics and Economics+Statistics is the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Educational Objectives

The Economics majors are designed to develop strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in the discipline of economics. More specifically, measurable objectives for our economics curriculum are the following:

• Students should be able to identify, explain, and use economic concepts, theories, models, and data-analytic techniques.
• Students should acquire and use knowledge of economics, mathematics, statistics, and computing flexibly in a variety of contexts, providing the foundation for success in graduate studies and careers in the public and private sectors.
• Students should be able to apply their economic tools to formulate positions on a wide range of social and economic problems and engage effectively in policy debates.
• Students should use the investigative skills necessary for conducting original economic research and participating effectively in project teams.
• Students should be able to deliver effective presentations in which they combine visual communication design with oral arguments and/or the written word.

First Year Academic Advising

First-year students interested in Economics begin in Dietrich College and are assigned a Dietrich College Advisor. While the Dietrich College Advisor is the advisor of record until students formally declare their majors, students who are considering majoring in Economics are encouraged to speak with the Tepper School Economics advisors so that they will have access to program resources, advising, and the community of faculty, staff, and students.