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Economics at UNC

Develop Deep Understanding

If you're passionate about solving society's most pressing problems, then consider studying Economics at UNC. We'll help you build the foundation you need to look at issues such as poverty, unemployment and inflation from a logical, analytical angle.

You'll use traditional and contemporary economic tools and concepts, as well as theories and quantitative analysis, to understand real-world problems.

In addition, the faculty and staff in the Department of Economics work with the outside community and provide services such as economic analysis, economic content training for teachers, and scholarly contributions to the external academic community.

Contact Us

Department of Economics
Candelaria Hall 1281

Phone: (970) 351-2707
Email: Economics@gregorybgallagher.com

Dawit Senbet

Professor and Chair
Dawit.Senbet@gregorybgallagher.com

Office Hours

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Economics Concentrations

The concentrations within the Department of Economics allow students to align their undergraduate economics degree more closely with their career interests and/or graduate school aspirations. In addition to the traditional Bachelor of Arts degree in economics that they can still choose, UNC students can now earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with the following concentrations:

 Business Economics

Business Economics

Work as a business economist or enroll in graduate business programs.

Enviornmental Economics 

Environmental Economics

Pursue interests in environmental and sustainability issues.

International Economics 

International Economics

 Bring your skills and expertise to the diplomatic service (typically as an economic attaché) or to multilateral economic organizations.

Public Policy 

Liberal Arts

Focus on statistical analysis, market analysis, and critical thinking to forecast in business and institutional environments.

Economics...it's much more than you think

Watch this video from the American Economic Association on why getting a degree in economics is useful to all individuals and can lead to many interesting career choices. Hear insights from four diverse individuals on how a background in economics provided them with tools for solving very human problems.

News and Annoucements

Students Recognized at 2024 Honors Convocation

2024 Econ. Honors Students

Economics students Brooke Alameddin, Khalil Bhanji, Jack Gee, Yovahn Quinones and Michael Serna were recognized at the 2024 Honors Convocation ceremony in Frebruary for excellence in their program. Congratulations to these students!

ECON 395: The Developing World and Globalization (3 credits) 

2019 Summer Ethiopia Trip 

Dr. Senbet recently conducted a faculty-led study abroad course in Ethiopia. Eleven students participated over the course of three weeks. The course emphasized on the challenges that developing countries face in the 21st century, with first hand real life experience in Ethiopia. We are planning to conduct this course every two years. Check out these trip photos!

Faculty Recognized For Excellence in Advising and Service

dawit senbet

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences recently recognized outstanding faculty throughout the college. Dr. Dawit Senbet was awarded the Excellence in Service and Advising Award. Congratulations!

Economics Faculty in the Media

Economics and Environmental and Sustainability Studies Professor Mark Eiswerth was interviewed for the Colorado Independent's article, "PARCHED: As hundreds of thousands of people move to Colorado, a critical water supply report is years behind schedule," where it discusses the water supply in Colorado.

Read PARCHED Article

Mark Eiswerth, Ph.D.

From the UNC Magazine
Fall/Winter 2018 Issue

Calm Water

Economics Professor Mark Eiswerth seeks solutions to complex - and sometimes contentious - environmental issues by considering human values and motives.

I try to teach [students] a little bit about how to facilitate a discussion among people with competing interests..."

Mark Eiswerth, Ph.D.

Continue Reading "Calm water" in the UNC Magazine.