Economics
Economics is the social science that studies how to make the best decisions in a world of scarce resources.
The Economics Department teaches students to ask interesting questions about the world, and to answer them using analytical tools. We help understand key economic principles, as well as important issues that face consumers, business, and the national and international economy. The program covers core issues in a broad range of fields: international trade and finance, monetary economics, urban economics and real estate, health and labor economics, and applied statistics. We also build employable skills in critical thinking, economic reasoning, data analysis, and academic writing. We offer both a B.A. and a minor, which can complement a wide variety of majors.
See our for more information.
Enrolling in Courses
Each semester, the Department of Economics offers a wide range of Principles courses, both in-person and online, as well as core courses and electives during both the daytime and in the evenings. We generally offer Statistics (ECON 220) and Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 304) in Fall, and Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 303) in Spring, and teach three or four 300-level electives each semester.
Currently enrolled NEIU students who meet the prerequisites can enroll in any of our courses without declaring a major. Students requiring prerequisite verification should contact the department or a faculty advisor for assistance; we can usually help you obtain authorization within one business day.
[]
Becoming a Major
The Economics major or minor can be declared once you are a fully admitted student. To become an Economics major or minor, please contact Dr. Scott Hegerty, who will advise you and provide you with a Major Declaration Form.
For general Northeastern admission requirements, the Office of Admissions helps new and returning students through the application process.
Transfer Students
Whether you are coming to NEIU with an Associate’s degree from a two-year college, coursework at another university, or a degree in another discipline, there is a path to earn an Economics degree and meet all university requirements. Our program’s can help you as you make a plan.
The NEIU also assists transfer and veteran students with transitioning to our campus.
Earning your Degree
Our curriculum is organized along a common core of economic theory combined with three informal concentrations that take advantage of our faculty strengths and our Chicago location. These concentrations are:
- Urban Economics/Microeconomics
- Financial Economics/Macroeconomics
- Data Analysis/Econometrics
Each semester, we offer at least one elective course in each area to help students focus their academic plan, but the informal nature of these tracks allows students the flexibility to mix and match classes to fit their own schedules and timelines.
Some other requirements include General Education and Engaged Learning Experience (ELE) courses. Your advisor will help you meet these as part of your degree plan.
Careers and Grad Schools
We focus on providing students with tools for good decision-making across any environment, which means economics is good preparation for a wide range of careers. Some of our graduates have found careers at traditional places for Economics majors such as the Fed, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and retail banks, while others have made their way to NGOs, tech startups, and environmental non-profit groups. The American Economics Association has a on careers in economics.
We have also placed students into master’s, J.D., and Ph.D. programs in Economics, Business Administration, Biostatistics, and International Affairs at places like the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the University of Chicago, Harvard, and Columbia.
Student Clubs
We host an active chapter of (ODE), an international Economics Honor Society. Our ODE chapter, Sigma, helps students engage with the department faculty in service and research, as well as build lasting friendships with each other. ODE has organized, hosted and contributed to events such as the Economics and Business Forum, the International Business Conference and MoneySmart Week. ODE honors our top students through a wonderful induction ceremony each year.
Network Externalities
To keep up with the latest happenings with our students, faculty, and alumni, please follow our or join our . We will help keep you connected to our growing network of successful graduates and alumni.