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Economics

Earning a bachelor's degree in economics is an important step to understanding the language of money, how it moves across the world, and how it can be used to influence decisions.

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Degree Types

Major, Minor, B.A./M.S. Pathway

Institution

Complementary Programs

Business Administration

Accounting

Heart

Distinctive Requirements

Capstone

Document

Professional Preparation

Internships & Work Experience

Why McDaniel for Economics?

At McDaniel College, the economics major offers students a well-rounded education while also preparing them for a variety of career paths. Graduates of this program are equipped for roles in business and finance, as well as government positions such as economic analysis, administration, and foreign service. For those interested in pursuing further education, completing graduate study in a university can lead to professional careers in law, business, and economics.

Pathways to Success for Economics Majors

Named a 2023-24 Business College of Distinction, McDaniel Economics and Business Administration graduates are ready for both graduate school and employment opportunities.

McDaniel Graduates Pursuing Advanced Degrees

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McDaniel College BA/MS Pathways M.S. in Data Analytics from McDaniel College Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs

McDaniel offers 5-year programs resulting in a Master of Science in Data Analytics in the following degree programs: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Marketing.

McDaniel undergraduate students who decide to pursue these new degree options would apply in their junior year and would complete two graduate courses during their senior year.

Graduate School Partnership Johns Hopkins Carey Business School 4+1 Program Provides Option to earn Joint Degree

Through a collaboration with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, McDaniel students have the opportunity to earn a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree from both institutions.
(Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.)

Graduate School Partnership Duquesne’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Preferred Admission to Four Master’s Degree Programs

McDaniel College and Duquesne University have formed a new partnership that gives McDaniel undergraduate students in the Economics and Business Administration department, as well as eligible alumni, preferred admission to four master’s degree programs at Duquesne’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business.
(Photo courtesy of Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business.)

Future Career Opportunities

McDaniel Economics graduates go on to find success in many fields and industries of all stripes: in finance, consulting, and data analysis; or on to professional careers in law, business, accounting, and economics; or in government work at different types of agencies and departments (like the IRS, NSA, or the Department of Labor).

Estimated Salary $105,790 Based on reported data by Economics Program Alumni; Economics Alumni 76% working in a field related to their program of study

Our Alumni Work Here Graduates of the Economics Program work at:

Allegis Group
Bank of America
Berkshire Hathaway
Deloitte and Touche
Department of Energy
Smith Barney/Citigroup
T. Rowe Price

Distinctive Courses in Economics

This course uses economic principles to analyze phenomena in the professional sports industry. A number of familiar economic theories/models such as supply and demand, profit maximization, and opportunity costs are applied to topics including ticket pricing, revenue sharing, the market for free agency, and the costs and benefits of building a new stadium. Labor markets in professional sports are also covered, with particular attention paid to empirical studies on discrimination in the industry. Topics are examined using both theoretical models and data analysis.

The principles of international trade and finance: study of classic trade theories, trade policy, exchange rate markets, balance of payments, trade and growth/development, open economy business cycles, international organizations, and exchange rate policy.

ECO 3305 - American Economic History

This course is an interdisciplinary one which will use economic methods to analyze and interpret various episodes in U.S. History. Topics to be covered will include: colonial and antebellum money and banking; productivity growth and the secular change to manufacturing economy; slavery; the Civil War; growth of railroads; the gold standard; and the Great Depression.

The study of the financial sector and its importance: market structure and financial instruments, asset pricing and interest rate determination, the operations and behavior of banks and other financial institutions, money-creation and central banking, and the interrelationship between money and financial markets and the macro economy.

Economics Program Requirements

Economics Major Economics Minor

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See Yourself Here

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Department Faculty

Learn more about the faculty and staff behind this program.

See Economics & Business Administration faculty

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

McDaniel’s women’s basketball team in France.

Study Abroad

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Internships

Student presenting for Innovation Challenge.

Research

Parth Shah stands outside in front of a set of stairs wearing a navy suit and pink striped tie.

Class of 2025: Parth Shah Academics + Passion

"The best class that I have taken is Economics of Sports with Dr. Kahn. This class piqued my interest as it combined my love for sports with my passion for economics. It was fascinating to incorporate real-world sports scenarios and how they coincide with economic theory."

Read about Parth's McDaniel experience.

Class of 2020: Justin Arter Economics major from Waldorf, Maryland

"The best class that I ever took was Dr. Kevin McIntyre’s Money and Financial Markets course. This course was one that I was excited to participate in but didn’t realize how much I would enjoy it. This class gave me the confidence in my knowledge of economics and provided me with the chance to apply that knowledge to the real world. I will be able to take what I learned and apply it to my post-graduation job in investments! Dr. McIntyre’s witty banter also made the class that much better!"

Read about Justin's time on the Hill

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Meet an Alum Virginia “Ginny” Odierno Cosentino ’10

Virginia “Ginny” Odierno Cosentino ’10 graduated with a major in Economics and a minor in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies before going straight into public service as a government contractor. She’s spent the past 15 years climbing the ranks at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and currently serves as a contracting officer.

Read "Virginia “Ginny” Odierno Cosentino ’10 "

Q&A with Economics Professor Kevin McIntyre

What do you hope students take away from your courses?: They have to know that the Law of Demand is never, ever violated. Beyond that, two things: first, to always think in terms of incentives, costs, and benefits, in other words, to know how to think things through like an economist. Second, always, always, always question conventional wisdom.; Read the full Q&A

Business Administration Accounting Actuarial Science Marketing Data Analytics, M.S. (STEM Designated with Day-1 CPT)