Study Economics in New Jersey
Earning an online economics degree in New Jersey allows you to gain strong analytical, quantitative and decision-making skills from the comfort of your home. Institutions such as Montclair State University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Kean University, and William Paterson University offer online economics programs designed for flexibility and employer-relevant training.
Online Economics Degrees in New Jersey
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online economics degrees in New Jersey:
- Montclair State University
- Rutgers University–Camden
- Rutgers University–Newark
- Rowan University
- Kean University
- The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
- William Paterson University
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Fully Online or On-Campus)
Montclair State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics that can be completed either fully online through Montclair Online or in a traditional on-campus format. The degree requires approximately 120 credit hours in total, including general education (the Montclair General Education and World Languages requirements), major courses, and free electives. Within that total, the economics major itself comprises about 51 credits of required and elective ECON coursework.
The program is designed as a four-year pathway for full-time students, though part-time and transfer learners can adjust the pace to fit work and family responsibilities. Online students take the same curriculum taught by the same faculty as on-campus peers, but with the flexibility of asynchronous course delivery and virtual support services like online advising, tutoring, and library access.
Economics at Montclair State focuses on both macroeconomics and microeconomics, emphasizing analytical reasoning, decision-making techniques, quantitative methods, and modeling principles. You learn how to interpret economic data, understand market behavior, and evaluate the impact of policy and global events on households, firms, and governments.
Core courses build a strong foundation in applied macroeconomics, applied microeconomics, mathematics for economics, and intermediate theory. As you advance, you move into quantitative methods, international economics, applied econometrics, and business forecasting and analytics. This progression develops your ability to work with data, build models, and turn theory into actionable insight.
The B.A. in Economics also offers room for customization. Through your five upper-level economics electives, you can tailor the degree toward financial economics, real estate, environmental policy, development, public finance, or labor markets. Many students pair the major with minors in areas like finance, data science, political science, or international business to further refine their career goals.
Because the degree is available fully online, Montclair is particularly attractive to New Jersey residents who want a recognized public university credential without relocating, as well as to out-of-state students looking for a flexible economics program with a strong quantitative and applied orientation.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with introductory courses that ground you in economic principles and quantitative reasoning. You’ll take ECON 101 – Applied Macroeconomics and ECON 102 – Applied Microeconomics alongside general education courses in writing, communication, and world cultures. You’ll also complete ECON 203 – Fundamental Maths for Economics (or equivalent math) to build the algebra and calculus tools needed for intermediate theory and econometrics.
Once you’ve completed the foundations, you move into intermediate courses. ECON 207 – Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis (or ECON 206 – Managerial Economics) and ECON 208 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis deepen your understanding of consumer and firm behavior, production and cost, market structures, aggregate demand and supply, and stabilization policy. ECON 317 – Quantitative Methods for Economics introduces optimization techniques, matrix algebra, and other tools used in modern economic analysis.
In the advanced stage, you complete applied and capstone-style courses such as ECON 390 – Applied Econometrics, ECON 412 – Business Forecasting & Analytics, and ECON 438 – Advanced Seminar in Economics. These classes emphasize real-world data, statistical software, forecasting methods, and independent research. You’ll often work on team projects, analyze current policy or business questions, and present your findings in professional formats suitable for employers or graduate programs.
Popular Elective Courses
- ECON 204 – Real Estate Principles & Practice
- ECON 224 – Financial Economics
- ECON 301 – Money and Banking
- ECON 311 – Labor Economics
- ECON 419 – Economics of Energy & Environmental Policy
- ECON 308 – Public Finance
Practical Experience
Montclair State’s economics program emphasizes learning by doing. Many upper-level courses incorporate projects that require you to work with real datasets, use statistical software, and present findings to your classmates. You might examine the impact of minimum wage changes on employment, analyze the performance of financial markets, or evaluate the effectiveness of environmental policies using data and econometric techniques.
Online students can access the same experiential opportunities as on-campus peers, including virtual group projects, case studies, and simulations that mirror the work of business and policy analysts. Students are encouraged to pursue internships with firms, nonprofits, and government agencies in New Jersey and beyond, often earning academic credit while building professional experience. Career services, networking events, and connections with Montclair alumni further support your career development.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a strong grasp of core microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, models, and policy tools.
- Apply economic theory to analyze real-world issues in areas such as labor markets, finance, international trade, urban development, and environmental policy.
- Use quantitative methods, including optimization, statistics, and econometrics, to collect, analyze, and interpret economic data.
- Critically evaluate economic arguments, research findings, and policy proposals, recognizing assumptions, trade-offs, and limitations.
- Communicate economic analysis clearly and persuasively in written reports, visualizations, and oral presentations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate effectively on team-based projects that involve problem-solving, data analysis, and applied research.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates of Montclair State’s B.A. in Economics pursue a wide range of careers in business, finance, government, and nonprofit organizations. Common roles include economic analyst, financial or credit analyst, business or data analyst, market researcher, policy analyst, and research associate. The program’s balance of theory, quantitative skills, and applied learning also makes it a strong foundation for graduate study in economics, public policy, business, data science, or law.
Students benefit from Montclair’s location near the New York City metropolitan area, with access to employers in banking, insurance, consulting, healthcare, tech, and public agencies. The university’s career services and the Feliciano School of Business provide resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, and job fairs tailored to business and analytic fields. Montclair State University reports a six-year graduation rate of around 65%, offering a useful benchmark for overall student completion.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent, with college-preparatory coursework including mathematics (algebra II or higher recommended) and English.
- Submission of official high-school transcripts; transfer applicants must provide transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
- Competitive applicants typically show solid performance in math and social-science courses, which prepares them for quantitative economics work.
- Some students may need to complete prerequisite math or writing courses early in their program before moving into intermediate theory and econometrics.
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores) and provide required documentation for visa and credential evaluation.
Application Deadlines
Montclair State University admits new students for the Fall and Spring terms. Priority deadlines for Fall admission typically fall in early spring, with rolling review afterward as space and course availability permit.
Rutgers University–Camden (RU-Camden)
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Rutgers University–Camden offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics through its Department of Economics in the College of Arts & Sciences. The degree requires approximately 120 credit hours for completion, including general education, major coursework, and electives. The standard full-time pathway is around four years, although part-time and transfer options are available.
The economics major emphasises analytical reasoning, quantitative modeling, and a deep understanding of how individuals, firms, governments and institutions behave within market systems. Students learn to apply economic theory and empirical methods to real-world issues such as labor markets, international trade, public policy, financial systems, and economic development.
Within the major, students complete required core courses (such as principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, intermediate theory and econometrics) and then have a series of elective options that allow specialisation in areas like environmental economics, sport economics, public economics or international economics.
The Department supports applied coursework and encourages internships and independent research; students often work on projects involving current economic data and policy analysis, supported by faculty and professional services. The urban Camden location—with proximity to Philadelphia and access to government, business and consulting entities—augments professional opportunities.
While the program is primarily on campus, many courses—including principles and select electives—are offered online or in hybrid format, allowing flexible scheduling for working students. Students may complete substantial portions of the major through the online course schedule maintained by the department.
Majors often pair the economics program with minors or double-majors in business, finance, public policy, data analytics or mathematics, tailoring their study to specific career ambitions or graduate-study goals.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with foundational courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics (Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics) and associated mathematics/statistics coursework. These early classes introduce you to supply and demand, consumer and firm behaviour, national income and growth, inflation/unemployment, and basic quantitative reasoning.
In the intermediate stage you take Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, Foundations of Econometrics and Econometrics. These courses challenge you to build economic models, estimate relationships using data, interpret results, and explore how policies alter outcomes for individuals, firms and the economy. Courses utilise real datasets, statistical software, and project-based work.
In the upper-division phase you choose electives aligned with your interests—examples include Sports Economics, Money & Banking, International Economics, Public Finance, Environmental Economics or Data Science for Economists. Many upper courses employ case studies, independent research, team work, and presentations. These provide a portfolio of applied work ready for both employment and graduate study.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- 50:220:102 – Principles of Microeconomics — Covers consumer and firm decision-making, supply and demand, market structures, welfare and efficiency, and how incentives shape outcomes.
- 50:220:103 – Principles of Macroeconomics — Explores aggregate output, inflation, unemployment, growth, fiscal and monetary policy, and the role of financial systems and government in the economy.
- 50:220:203 – Intermediate Microeconomic Theory — Builds on foundational tools: optimisation, cost/production theory, game theory, market power, strategic interaction and welfare analysis.
- 50:220:204 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory — Examines growth models, expectations, open-economy macro, business cycles, and policy trade-offs in national and global contexts.
- 50:220:222 – Foundations of Econometrics — Introduces basic regression, hypothesis testing and econometric interpretation of economic data, preparing you for full econometrics.
- 50:220:322 – Econometrics — Focuses on model building, multiple regression, diagnostics, forecasting and interpretation of economic/business datasets using software tools.
- 50:220:312 – Sports Economics — Applies microeconomic theory to sports industries: labour markets, revenue sharing, contracts, competitive balance, and strategic decisions by teams and leagues.
- 50:220:308 – Managerial Economics — Applies microeconomic tools to managerial decision-making: pricing, production, market entry, cost analysis, strategy, and the boundary of the firm.
Popular Elective Courses
- Environmental & Resource Economics
- Labor Economics
- International Finance & Trade Economics
- Public Finance & Tax Policy
- Health & Economics of Healthcare
- Sports Economics & Entertainment Markets
Practical Experience
Students in the economics major at Rutgers–Camden are encouraged to engage in internships, research projects, and data-analysis assignments tied to business, government or nonprofit organisations. Many courses include project-based work, use of statistical software, and presentation skills. The department posts an online course schedule showing many required and elective economics courses are offered online or in blended formats, enabling flexible pathways for working students.
Being located in Camden offers access to internships and employment opportunities in the Philadelphia / South Jersey / Delaware region—students often work with consulting firms, financial institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organisations. This helps them build professional networks, applied experience and portfolio items relevant to their post-graduation goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply microeconomic and macroeconomic models to analyse markets, firms, households and policy interventions.
- Use econometric and statistical tools to collect, clean, analyse and interpret economic and business data for decision-making.
- Evaluate how competition, regulation, market structure, public policy, trade and globalization shape economic outcomes.
- Communicate economic analyses clearly and effectively in written reports, visualisations and oral presentations to business, governmental or academic audiences.
- Select elective coursework and applied research projects to align with career aspirations in business analytics, consulting, public policy, finance or graduate study.
- Graduate with a professional portfolio of applied economics work—including data analysis, modelling and presentation—that demonstrates readiness for employment or advanced study.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates of the BA in Economics at Rutgers University–Camden move into careers in business analysis, financial services, policy research, consulting, public administration, market research, and nonprofit management.
The quantitative and analytical focus of the program ensures strong preparation for entry-level employment or graduate study in economics, law, business, or public policy. The university’s location in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the availability of flexible online/hybrid course delivery support students seeking to work while earning their degree.
As reported, economics majors from Rutgers–Camden often enter the workforce with starting salaries in the $50,000-plus range for bachelor’s graduates, offering a solid return-on-investment for the major.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent, with college-preparatory coursework in mathematics, English and social sciences.
- Submission of official transcripts from high school (and any prior college work). Transfer applicants must submit all college transcripts.
- Completion of or readiness for mathematics/statistics (such as college algebra or pre-calculus) is strongly recommended prior to intermediate economics coursework.
- Applicants seeking to transfer should verify how many credits they can transfer and plan their schedule in consultation with an advisor.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the Fall semester typically have deadlines around early December. Early submission is encouraged to secure course registration, financial aid and advising.
Rutgers University–Newark (RU-Newark)
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Rutgers University–Newark offers a strong undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Economics through the School of Arts & Sciences–Newark. The major comprises approximately 43 credit hours within the economics department (including core and elective coursework) and is typically embedded within the full bachelor’s degree of ~120 credit hours of total undergraduate study. Full-time students often complete the degree in about four years, with flexibility for part-time and transfer students.
The program emphasises rigorous theory, quantitative methods, and real-world application: you’ll move from foundational coursework through intermediate micro- and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, and advanced electives. The curriculum prepares you for roles in business, government, public policy, data analytics, and for graduate study in economics or related fields.
Students benefit from the urban Newark location—close to New York City and major regional employers—plus a department that supports an accelerated BA/MA option for high-performing undergraduates, allowing you to begin graduate-level economics coursework before finishing your bachelor’s degree.
The economics major supports specialisations and certificates such as a double-major with business disciplines (Finance, Management & Information Systems, Supply Chain), or a minor in Data Science — helping you tailor your economics training for diverse career paths.
Although the program is primarily on campus, many core and elective economics courses are offered in hybrid or online formats, giving working students or commuters additional flexibility in scheduling.
Overall, the BA in Economics at RU-Newark provides strong analytical training, real-world relevance and flexibility, making it a capable foundation for employment or graduate study.
Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum begins with key foundational courses: Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics, along with mathematics/statistics (such as Calculus I or Basic Calculus) to prepare for upper-level work. These early courses establish your understanding of how markets and economies function, how decisions are made under scarcity, and the importance of data in economic analysis.
Next you progress into intermediate courses such as Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics. At this stage you develop modelling skills, build regression-based empirical analysis, and learn how to apply theory to real economic questions—such as wage determination, policy impacts and market strategy.
In the upper-division phase you select advanced electives that align with your interests—examples include Labor Economics, Industrial Organisation, Environmental Economics, Game Theory and Big Data, International Finance and Macroeconomics. Many of these courses involve project work, case-studies, data-analysis assignments and professional-style presentations. This helps you build a portfolio and professional maturity before graduation.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- 01:220:102 – Introduction to Microeconomics — Covers consumer/firm behaviour, supply/demand, market equilibrium, elasticity, welfare and strategic interaction in markets.
- 01:220:103 – Introduction to Macroeconomics — Explores economy-wide topics: national income, inflation, unemployment, growth, fiscal/monetary policy and open-economy dynamics.
- 01:220:320 – Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis — Deep dive into optimisation, cost/production theory, market power, welfare analysis and strategic firm behaviour under different market structures.
- 01:220:321 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis — Examines growth models, business cycles, expectations, monetary and fiscal policy, and open-economy macroeconomics.
- 01:220:322 – Econometrics — Introduces regression analysis, hypothesis testing, model diagnostics and interpretation of economic/business data using statistical software.
- 01:220:410 – Advanced Macroeconomic Theory — Covers advanced topics in macro modelling, policy analysis and empirical evaluation of macroeconomic phenomena.
- 01:220:441 – Industrial Organisation — Studies firm behaviour, market structure, competition, regulation and strategic decisions in business and policy contexts.
- 01:220:421 – Economic Forecasting and Big Data — Focuses on forecasting methods, big-data applications in economics, regression/panel/time-series modelling and decision-making under uncertainty.
Popular Elective Courses
- Labor Economics
- Environmental & Resource Economics
- International Trade & Finance Economics
- Public Finance & Taxation Economics
- Health Economics
- Behavioral & Experimental Economics
Practical Experience
The economics major at Rutgers–Newark emphasizes applied experiences. Many upper-division courses include data-analysis projects, collaboration with faculty on independent research, and presentations of findings in professional formats. The department also supports internships and research opportunities in finance, consulting, government or nonprofit organisations in the Newark/NYC region.
The department’s partnerships, urban setting and flexible course delivery enable you to balance work and study while gaining meaningful economic analysis experience. Courses often replicate analyst assignments—data cleaning, modelling, forecasting, report writing and briefing—so you graduate with real-world application skills.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply microeconomic and macroeconomic models to analyse individual, firm, government and market behaviour.
- Use statistical and econometric tools to collect, interpret and communicate economic and business data for decision-making.
- Evaluate how competition, regulation, trade, globalization and policy shape economic outcomes and organisational strategy.
- Communicate sophisticated economic analysis clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through reports, presentations and data visualisations.
- Tailor applied research or elective coursework to support career goals in business, consulting, analytics, public policy or graduate study.
- Graduate with a professional-caliber portfolio of applied economics work—data analyses, independent research, presentations—that signals readiness for employment or advanced study.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates of the BA in Economics at Rutgers University–Newark pursue careers in economic consulting, financial and data analytics, policy research, business strategy, government planning, and market analysis. The quantitative and applied focus of the program gives you a strong foundation to enter the workforce or continue into graduate programmes in economics, business, public policy or law.
With its strong urban employer network, access to financial and consulting firms in the New Jersey/New York region, and flexible scheduling, the program supports students transitioning from school into professional roles.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent with a college-preparatory curriculum including mathematics (algebra II or pre-calculus recommended) and English composition.
- Submission of official high-school transcripts; transfer applicants must provide all college transcripts and meet institutional admission criteria.
- Applicants should complete or demonstrate readiness for mathematics/statistics and introductory economics courses prior to advancing in the major.
- International students must show English-language proficiency and submit required credential evaluations.
Application Deadlines
Rutgers University–Newark admits students for Fall and Spring entry. To ensure timely course registration and advising, applicants are encouraged to submit applications several months before the term begins.
Rowan University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Rowan University offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics through its Rohrer College of Business, designed to equip students with analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills for diverse career paths in business, finance, and policy. The degree requires approximately 120 credit hours, with the economics major accounting for about 36 credits of core and elective coursework. Students can typically complete the program in four years of full-time study, though part-time and transfer options are also available.
Rowan’s economics curriculum integrates business education with liberal arts training. You’ll study the forces that shape markets, prices, and policies while developing a deep understanding of decision-making, efficiency, and the global economy. The program offers small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and an emphasis on applied learning—giving you the opportunity to analyze real-world problems through data, models, and research.
The B.A. in Economics is flexible, allowing students to tailor their degree toward careers in business, analytics, or government service. You can also pursue an accelerated “3+1” pathway with Rowan College partner institutions or combine the major with minors in data analytics, finance, or political science.
While the program is primarily on campus in Glassboro, many economics and business courses are available in online or hybrid formats, giving students flexibility in scheduling. The Rohrer College of Business provides modern facilities, strong employer connections, and a professional development office that helps economics students transition smoothly into the workforce.
Graduates gain a comprehensive foundation in theory, applied economics, and business practices—preparing them for immediate employment or advanced study in economics, business, law, or public policy.
Courses and Curriculum
Rowan’s economics curriculum begins with foundational business and economics coursework, including Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Statistics I and II, and Mathematics for Economics. These early courses introduce the building blocks of economic theory, measurement, and statistical reasoning.
Students then move into intermediate theory and applied analysis courses—such as Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. These courses emphasize analytical modeling, optimization, and data-driven decision-making, equipping you to interpret real-world economic phenomena using quantitative methods and policy frameworks.
In the upper-division phase, students choose from a wide selection of electives tailored to their career interests, including International Economics, Money and Banking, Labor Economics, and Managerial Economics. Many upper-level courses incorporate data projects, case studies, and applied research, ensuring you graduate with tangible analytical experience.
- ECON 04101 – Principles of Economics (Micro) — Examines consumer and producer behavior, supply and demand, market structures, and welfare implications of government intervention in markets.
- ECON 04102 – Principles of Economics (Macro) — Introduces aggregate output, inflation, unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, and the role of central banks in stabilizing the economy.
- ECON 04200 – Intermediate Microeconomics — Analyzes consumer choice, production theory, and market competition using mathematical and graphical models. Emphasizes optimization and strategic interaction.
- ECON 04201 – Intermediate Macroeconomics — Studies short-run fluctuations, long-run growth, and the effects of fiscal and monetary policy. Students explore open-economy issues and international linkages.
- ECON 04305 – Econometrics — Introduces regression analysis, statistical inference, and model evaluation using real-world economic data. Students learn to use econometric software for applied research.
- ECON 04310 – Money and Banking — Examines financial markets, central banking, and monetary theory, exploring how interest rates and financial policy affect economic outcomes.
- ECON 04350 – Managerial Economics — Applies economic reasoning to managerial decision-making, focusing on cost analysis, pricing strategy, and market structure.
- ECON 04400 – Senior Seminar in Economics — A capstone course where students complete independent research, apply econometric tools, and present findings on contemporary economic issues.
Popular Elective Courses
- Labor Economics
- Environmental Economics
- Health Economics
- International Trade and Finance
- Public Finance and Policy
- Urban and Regional Economics
Practical Experience
Rowan University emphasizes experiential learning across the economics program. Students can participate in internships through the Rohrer Center for Experiential Learning, gaining work experience with regional businesses, banks, and public agencies. Many students engage in research projects supervised by faculty or assist in policy analysis for local organizations.
In class, applied assignments encourage you to work with real data, analyze current economic trends, and present solutions to policy or business challenges. The program’s focus on data analytics, Excel modeling, and econometric software ensures that you graduate with the skills needed for today’s data-driven job market.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply fundamental microeconomic and macroeconomic theories to analyze markets and policy issues.
- Use quantitative methods and econometric tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data for economic and business decision-making.
- Evaluate the effects of government regulation, taxation, and fiscal and monetary policies on individuals and firms.
- Communicate complex economic concepts effectively through written reports, presentations, and visual data analysis.
- Demonstrate analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
- Collaborate on applied research projects that mirror professional economic analysis and policy work.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates of Rowan’s economics program pursue careers in finance, consulting, data analytics, market research, and public policy. Common job titles include economic analyst, business consultant, policy researcher, financial analyst, and market data specialist. The program’s emphasis on applied analytics and quantitative skills ensures strong preparation for graduate study in economics, MBA programs, or law school.
Rowan University reports a six-year graduation rate of approximately 71%, reflecting the school’s commitment to student success and degree completion.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory coursework in mathematics (algebra II minimum, pre-calculus recommended) and English composition.
- Submission of official transcripts and, for transfer students, all prior college coursework.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 for transfer admission into the Rohrer College of Business; direct freshman admission follows general Rowan criteria.
- International students must meet English language proficiency requirements and submit required documentation for visa and credential review.
Application Deadlines
Rowan University accepts applications on a rolling basis but encourages submission by early February for Fall entry and by early November for Spring.
Kean University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Kean University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics through its College of Business and Public Management. The degree requires approximately 124 credit hours and can typically be completed in four years of full-time study. The program is designed for students seeking to understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions and how these choices affect resource allocation, income distribution, and overall economic performance.
Kean’s economics program combines theoretical analysis with practical application, preparing students for diverse roles in business, finance, policy, and research. The curriculum integrates economic theory, statistical reasoning, and quantitative modeling, giving you the skills to analyze problems and make data-driven decisions.
Students begin with foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematics before progressing into intermediate theory, econometrics, and applied economics. Electives allow you to specialize in areas such as public policy, international economics, labor markets, and financial systems. This flexibility enables you to tailor your studies toward your career goals or graduate education.
The program provides small class sizes, direct access to faculty mentors, and a strong focus on applied research. While primarily campus-based, Kean also offers some courses in online or hybrid formats, allowing working students and transfer learners to complete requirements more flexibly.
Graduates emerge with a well-rounded education grounded in both liberal arts and professional business training—ideal for analytical and leadership positions in a rapidly evolving economy.
Courses and Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics curriculum starts with introductory coursework that builds your understanding of how markets function and how policies shape economic outcomes. You’ll complete ECO 1020 – Principles of Economics I (Microeconomics) and ECO 1021 – Principles of Economics II (Macroeconomics) alongside general education and quantitative reasoning requirements such as statistics and business mathematics.
At the intermediate level, courses like ECO 3000 – Intermediate Microeconomics and ECO 3010 – Intermediate Macroeconomics explore consumer and firm behavior, production theory, and macroeconomic growth and stabilization policy. You’ll also study ECO 3020 – Money and Banking to understand the financial system and how central banks influence the economy.
In the advanced phase, the program focuses on applied and empirical learning through courses like ECO 4000 – Econometrics, ECO 4010 – International Trade and Finance, and ECO 4020 – Economic Development. These courses encourage you to conduct data-driven research, interpret quantitative results, and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and business strategies.
- ECO 1020 – Principles of Economics I (Microeconomics) – Introduces supply and demand, consumer choice, production costs, market structures, and the impact of government intervention on efficiency and welfare.
- ECO 1021 – Principles of Economics II (Macroeconomics) – Covers national income accounting, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and international economic linkages.
- ECO 3000 – Intermediate Microeconomics – Analyzes decision-making by firms and consumers using models of optimization, pricing, and market equilibrium. Includes case studies of competitive and monopolistic industries.
- ECO 3010 – Intermediate Macroeconomics – Examines short- and long-run macroeconomic models, emphasizing policy design for stability, growth, and employment in an open economy.
- ECO 3020 – Money and Banking – Studies the structure of the financial system, monetary policy tools, interest rate determination, and banking regulation.
- ECO 4000 – Econometrics – Teaches statistical methods for analyzing economic data. Topics include regression analysis, hypothesis testing, forecasting, and real-world applications using econometric software.
- ECO 4010 – International Trade and Finance – Investigates theories of comparative advantage, balance of payments, exchange rates, and global financial markets.
- ECO 4900 – Senior Seminar in Economics – A capstone course where students complete an independent research project that integrates economic theory, data analysis, and policy evaluation.
Popular Elective Courses
- Labor Economics
- Environmental Economics
- Public Finance
- Health Economics
- Urban and Regional Economics
- Economic Development
Practical Experience
Kean University emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement. Economics students can participate in internships through the Career Services Office, gaining hands-on experience in financial institutions, government agencies, and private-sector organizations. The program also encourages undergraduate research, where students work with faculty mentors on projects involving data analysis, policy evaluation, and market studies.
In addition, the economics department integrates applied learning into its courses through case studies, simulations, and group projects. These experiences help students build practical skills in data interpretation, problem-solving, and economic communication—preparing them for immediate employment or graduate school success.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply microeconomic and macroeconomic theories to real-world business and policy challenges.
- Use quantitative and statistical tools to analyze and interpret data for decision-making and research.
- Evaluate the role of government policy and regulation in influencing economic performance and market outcomes.
- Develop effective written, oral, and visual communication skills for presenting economic ideas and research findings.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical reasoning when addressing contemporary economic issues.
- Work collaboratively on applied projects that mirror professional economic and financial analysis.
Career Preparation & Outcomes
Graduates of Kean University’s B.A. in Economics are well-prepared for careers in banking, finance, consulting, public policy, and international business. Many also pursue graduate studies in economics, business administration, law, or public policy. Employers of Kean economics graduates include financial institutions, insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies across New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area.
Kean University reports an undergraduate six-year graduation rate of approximately 63%, reflecting its commitment to accessible education and student achievement.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory coursework in mathematics (algebra II or higher) and English.
- Submission of official high school transcripts and any prior college transcripts for transfer students.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 for direct admission into the College of Business and Public Management.
- International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
Application Deadlines
Kean University offers rolling admissions but recommends that students apply by early February for Fall entry and October for Spring entry.