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Undergraduate

Economics

The Economics program at Assumption provides you with an understanding of the economic principles and the tools used to address global issues of production, consumption, and distribution

What is Economics?

The study of economics examines the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in a society. Your courses will help you understand the interactions between markets, government, and community organizations in the provisioning of our lives, and the challenge of generating economic growth that is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

This program includes the major and minor, the major with a business concentration, and the minor in law and the economy. 

Why Study Economics at Assumption?

At Assumption, the pathways offered through the study of economics are as diverse as the interests of the students we serve.  You can tackle the vital policy issues of our day from unemployment and inflation to climate change to inequities in healthcare. You can develop your quantitative side with advanced coursework in econometrics or sports data analysis,  and experience a global perspective by studying international development, trade, and finance. This major is flexible and easily combined with minors from other fields so that coursework can be tailored to individual interests.

Program Contact

Smriti Rao, Ph.D

Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting, Professor of Economics, Global Studies Program Director
508-767-7565 Tsotsis Family Academic Center - Room 229

Program Curriculum

  • First Year

    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    MAT 117 Calculus

    Sophomore Year

    Economics Elective
    ECO 115 Statistics with Excel

    Junior Year

    ECO 215 Econometrics
    ECO 310 Microeconomic Theory
    ECO 311 Macroeconomic Theory
    Economics Elective

    Senior Year

    Economics Elective (2)
    ECO 499 Research Seminar

    * This is only a suggested sequence. Students should try to finish the courses listed above under first and sophomore year by the end of their sophomore year.

    Course Descriptions

  • First Year

    ECO110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    MAT 117 Calculus

    Sophomore Year

    ECO 115 Statistics with Excel
    ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I
    ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II
    MGT 100 or MKT 100
    Business Concentration Economics Elective

    Junior Year

    ECO 215 Econometrics
    ECO 310 Microeconomic Theory
    Business Concentration Economics Elective
    FIN 325 Financial Management 1
    ECO 311 Macroeconomic Theory

    Senior Year

    Business Concentration Economics Elective
    ECO 499 Research Seminar

    Course Descriptions

  • Minor in Economics

    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 115 Statistics with Excel
    ECO 310/ECO 311 Microeconomic Theory/Macroeconomic Theory

    Three economics electives at the 200 level or above selected in consultation with an Economics Department Advisor.

    Course Descriptions

  • Minor in Law and the Economy

    ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 230 Law and Economics
    ECO 331 Industrial Organization
    PHI 260 Business Ethics

    Plus One of the Following Courses

    POL 316 Constitutional Law
    POL 321 Public Policy
    GEO 251 Economic Geography
    GEO 252 Land Use Geography and Planning Law

    Course Descriptions

  • Learning Goals

    • Develop an understanding of the basic principles, concepts, and theories of Economics
    • Retrieve economic information
    • Become skillful at the use of economic data using appropriate disciplinary methodology
    • Perfect the ability to apply economic knowledge to critically analyze problems and their potential solutions
    • Possess effective written and oral communication skills

Faculty

Colleen A. Fahy, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
Demetrius Kantarelis, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
Michael D. McKay
Adjunct Faculty
Smriti Rao, Ph.D
Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting Professor of Economics Global Studies Program Director
Brian Volz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
Thomas White, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Olivia Wu, Ph.D., CFA
Assistant Professor of Finance

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more. While internships are not required, many students complete at least one before graduation. Recent economics majors have interned at financial instructions such as Fidelity Investments, at research institutions such as the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and with political organizations such as Congressman Jim McGovern’s office.


Career Paths

Bain Capital

Berkshire Bank

Fidelity Investments

Hanover Insurance

Lockheed Martin

Office of U.S. Senator Krysten Sinema

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.