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Economics

Undergraduate Study: Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Minor in Economics.

Website: http://www.economics.hawaii.edu/

Academic Program

Economics is the social science that deals with the allocation and use of human and material resources under conditions of scarcity and uncertainty.  It examines this subject matter at the micro level (the consumer, the household, the firm, and the industry) and the macro level (the region, the labor force, the government, the nation, and the world).  Courses in these topics are complemented by instruction in the statistical and mathematical tools necessary for modeling, data collection and analysis, and hypothesis testing.  Students of economics will learn a body of knowledge that is essential to understanding many aspects of the modern world and contemporary public policy issues, including such vital matters as international trade, economic development, the environment, Hawai‘i’s economic challenges, regulation, business cycles, and consumer behavior.

A Bachelor of Arts in Economics is an excellent background for demanding analytical and policy positions in the public and private sectors; it is also a highly regarded preparation for graduate work in law, business, and public policy, as well as economics.

Major-Related Skills

In addition to discipline specific content, economic majors have the ability to:

  • solve problems and make sound predictions.
  • compute numerically and conduct basic statistical analyses.
  • build models to explain and predict economic behavior.
  • implement concrete strategies based on theoretical information.
  • design and report for both individuals and businesses.
  • pay attention to detail.
  • build models to explain and predict economic behavior.
  • organize and present complex statistical information using understandable concepts.
  • understand personal, corporate, national, and international economic strategies.

    Declaring Economics as a Major

    Click here for a form-fillable major declaration form.  Complete the first page of the Declaration of Major form and print two copies. Make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the Department of Economics to discuss your interests, major requirements, and course selection.  The advisor will complete the second page of the form.  Two copies of the completed form should then be turned in to the service counter for Arts & Sciences Student Academic Services.

    Click here for concurrent degree requests (i.e., between A&S and another college or different degree programs within A&S, such as concurrent BA and BS degrees).


    Created by Lynne Higa, Michael Kirk-Kuwaye

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