Economics

Overview

The department has two undergraduate programs, a BA in Economics and a BS in Accounting, as well as a BA/MA in Economics. All three programs equip students with analytic tools that can be applied in many different careers in both the private and public sectors.

Economics

Economics students become problem solvers. They learn to analyze a situation, figure out what is important and determine what can be abstracted away. The economics curriculum stresses the development of general problem-solving skills: finding, gathering and interpreting information; predicting the consequences of decisions; evaluating alternative courses of action; and analyzing the management of resources in both the public and private sectors. At the same time, economics students learn about the institutions and rules that shape daily life — the monetary system, the stock and bond markets and the regulatory system that mandates warning labels on cigarette packs and seat belts in automobiles.

What can I do with an Economics Degree?

While an undergraduate major in economics does not define the career a graduate may ultimately lead, it provides students with a point of view and a set of skills that will be useful in almost any path taken after graduation. A major in economics is especially valuable for those who plan careers in finance, management, law, journalism, or public policy. Many professional economists also enter government at the federal, state, or local level, either in research or policy-making positions. Still others are involved in teaching and research in colleges and universities.

Accounting

Accountants specialize in measuring, reporting and interpreting the financial aspects and transactions of businesses, governments, non-profits and other institutions. Accounting provides the information necessary to determine and evaluate both present and projected economic activities of organizations. Professional accountants develop and apply their skills in auditing, taxation, management policy, information systems, computer operations and many other areas.

What can I do with an Accounting Degree?

Nearly half of all accounting graduates are employed by public accounting firms. Others work for private firms, engage in research and consulting, practice in the government sector or with non-profit entities, or continue their education on the graduate level.

Programs and Courses

Programs and Courses in Economics

Honors

Students with a 3.5 GPA in a major offered by the department and an overall 2.8 GPA at the beginning of their upper senior semester may apply for departmental honors at that time. Completion of the following and submission of an honors paper are required. Honors papers are written under faculty supervision and must be approved by a second reader as well. GPA levels must be maintained for the award of departmental honors.

Internships

Students may receive one credit for internships in government agencies, private firms, and not-for-profit institutions. The position must provide opportunities for learning about some area of economics, accounting, or business. The course may be taken no more than twice. Credits may not be applied towards the economics or accounting major. Internships will be graded on a CR/NC basis. Note that it is the responsibility of the student, not the department, to identify internship opportunities.

Administration and Faculty

Chair:

Partha Deb
1529 West
212-772-5435
ecochair@hunter.cuny.edu

Director of Accounting Program:

Wei Yu
1549A West
212-772-5395
wy109@hunter.cuny.edu

Director of the Certificate in Business Studies

Arabella Pollack
1531 West
212 772-5404
ap5472@hunter.cuny.edu

Department Office:

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Karol Trochez

1524 West

212-772-5400

ecooffice@hunter.cuny.edu

Website: http://econ.hunter.cuny.edu

Faculty

Economics and Accounting

HEGIS Codes: 2204 (Economics), 0502 (Accounting)