Fall 2025 Electives
ECON 307: Economics Tools (Online only in Fall 2025)
This course introduces students to the mathematics, data, and writing skills essential for understanding, interpreting, and communicating economic concepts. The first half of the course is devoted to the math most commonly used in economics concepts. Topics covered are equations, graphs, and formulas; solving for equilibria; comparative statics analysis; single-variable differentiation and optimization; and multi-variable differentiation. Microeconomic and macroeconomic applications accompany each math topic. The second half of the course provides students with a hands-on data analysis project. Students will compile and analyze economic data in Excel and write up their findings in a research paper that follows conventions used by professional economists. This course can be used as an elective and a pre-requisite for ECON 300 & ECON 303.
Prerequisite: MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or ACT Math =>26 or SAT Math Section =>620 or ACCUPLACER College-Level Math =>100.
Pre- or corequisite: ECON 2110 or ECON 2120
ECON 350: Public Economics
This course examines the role of government in the economy. The core learning objective is to apply basic microeconomic theory to analyze real world policy issues. In particular, the course seeks to provide an understanding of how the government makes policy decisions and how the government policies affect the behavior of consumers and producers. Topics covered in the course include optimal income tax scheme, social security, private vs. public health insurance, K-12 education.
Prerequisite: ECON 300
ECON 360: History of Economic Thought
Taught by award-winning instructor, Prof. Manuel Montoya, this course surveys the main schools of thought in Economics during the pre-industrial revolution years and after – what we refer to as the period of “Modern Economics”. While we learn about famous economists, we will take an alternative approach to building a history of economics. We will focus on moments in modern history (problems, ideas, or major events) that solicited a response by economists, challenging us to understand why economics contributed to society and influenced our thinking today.
Using the analogy of a “great mixed tape,” the course will place a “greatest hits of economics” in direct conversation with “B-sides and deep cuts”. In this manner, we will challenge ourselves to critically evaluate the way that we place importance on Economics as a field and the system of people, places, and ideas that make economic thinking what it is today. It will also challenge students to think about what ideas remain important and which thinkers/ideas need more attention as the world changes. Our primary objectives are to learn the main schools of thought in economics while also learning how to apply critical thinking and speculative reasoning as tools to understand the evolution of ideas.
Prerequisite: ECON 2110 OR ECON 2120
ECON 395: Macroeconomic Policy in New Mexico
This course uses IMPLAN, an industry-standard input-output modeling software, to examine the real-world effects of monetary and fiscal policies—such as interest rate adjustments, tax reforms, spending cuts, and infrastructure spending—on New Mexico’s economy. Students will investigate policy impacts on key state sectors such as energy, agriculture, and tourism, while addressing interconnected challenges like federal funding dependency, income inequality, and commodity market volatility. Through hands-on IMPLAN simulations, students will model policy outcomes and craft data-driven recommendations for stakeholders. The course bridges macroeconomic theory with applied technical training, using case studies and collaborative projects to produce professional-grade economic impact reports. Designed for economics and public policy students, this course equips graduates with the analytical and technical skills needed for careers in policy analysis, government, consulting, or regional development. By emphasizing actionable insights grounded in real-world data, students will be prepared to address the unique socioeconomic challenges and opportunities facing New Mexico and the broader U.S. Southwest.
Prerequisites: Econ 303 & Econ 300. Contact the instructor, Dr. Mamun <mmamun@unm.edu> , if you are highly motivated but don’t have the prerequisites.
ECON 407: Mathematical Methods in Economics
Modern economics is based on mathematics to a great extent. This course introduces elementary mathematics essential for advanced undergraduate students aspiring to further studies in economics. The course will be intended to be a “tools” course, drawing on neoclassical economics. Primarily, the course will focus on the mathematical methods related to linear algebra, calculus, and optimization. We will also discuss economic applications of these methods. It is important to note that almost all of the concepts the students learn from this course will be used in our graduate courses on microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course will be delivered by “chalk and talk” lectures and discussions supplemented with hands-on computer labs. Take if you are interested in the shared-credit MA in Economics!!!
Prerequisites: ECON 300 & ECON 303
ECON 409: Advanced Econometrics
An amazing opportunity for up to 3 undergraduates to join a graduate course on how economists study cause and effect (and are unwilling to accept mere association). Learn about difference-in-differences, event studies and machine learning. Course is very hands-on. Take if you are interested in the shared-credit MA in Economics!!!
Prerequisite: ECON 309.
ECON 495: Water Resources I – Contemporary Issues
An amazing opportunity for up to 4 undergraduates to join a graduate Water Resources course. Students examine contemporary issues in water resource systems, including water quality; ecosystem health; stakeholder concerns; economics; and water supply, policy, management and allocation. Emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, and oral, written and graphic communication.
Instructor permission required! Contact Prof. Berrens rberrens@unm.edu
