Enrich Your Econ Degree

The Economics Department has many academic opportunities to enhance and enrich your experience as an economics major including study abroad, honors, research, and much more. We hope you explore the opportunities below to get the most out of your time here.

Student Organizations

  • Check out the UNM Student Organizations website to find information on hundreds of student organizations. Search by interest - there is something for everyone.
  • UNM Economics Club - The purpose of the Economics Club is to provide a place for students interested in economics to learn and discuss topical economic subjects and to become more employable and knowledgeable members of the competitive labor market. As club members, students can network with the instructors, business professionals in the industry, and prospective employers in the field. In addition, members are encouraged (but not required) to join Omicron Delta Epsilon – the International Honor Society in Economics.

Undergraduate Research

  • Our own Department of Economics’ Himalayan Research Experience Study Abroad is an experiential learning experience that combines research, hands-on community service-learning projects, & eco-adventure. At the heart of this program is the interdisciplinary collaborative community service-learning component that invites students from any discipline to join hands to analyze existing problems in the community and offer solutions. The study abroad program is built upon an interdisciplinary course called The Sustainable Development Action Lab.
  • Departmental Honors Program (LINK) - The Departmental Honors Program is open to outstanding economics majors, typically in their junior year. After consulting with a faculty member willing to supervise their research, students enroll in a two-semester sequence of courses to develop their own thesis.
  • The Department of Economics New Mexico Centric Research opportunities deliver impactful research and outreach for the state and people of New Mexico. For some projects, undergraduate research assistants are employed.
  • The AEA Undergraduate Research Opportunities board provides information specific to economics majors on undergraduate conferences, journals, summer opportunities, and contests.
  • Our UNM Undergraduate Research Programs site includes information on all research opportunities. Some stand-out programs include but are not limited to:
    • El Puente Fellowships supports and promotes undergraduate research and prepares students for graduate study in multiple academic areas. Fellows work with graduate mentors to develop research skills applicable to all fields of study.
    • First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) offers a two-semester commitment including regular meetings with a peer mentor, basic research skills seminars and workshops every month, completing progress reports, and sharing results at the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference.
    • McNair Scholars adn Research Opportunity Program prepares high achieving undergraduate students for admission into graduate school to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees. Scholars complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, attend graduate school and GRE prep seminars, and much more.
    • Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference provides undergraduates the opportunity to present their research projects outside of the classroom, network, and showcase their research to the larger UNM community including donors, policy makers, local businesses, etc. Workshops are also provided throughout the semester to help you get prepared for your presentation.
    • College of Arts and Sciences Support for Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE) Fellowship is designed to foster faculty-student research collaborations. Students work with a faculty mentor to engage in thoughtful and progressively sophisticated work central to the overall research program. Students will complete research training and present their work at the end of the award period.
    • ORISE Internships and Fellowships connects you to hundreds of paid STEM internships, fellowships, and research opportunities at national laboratories and government agencies for undergraduates, recent graduates, and more.

Honors College

  • You can complement your economics major with a minor in the UNM Honors College or pursue a Designation in Honors. The mission of the UNM Honors College is to provide challenging opportunities for intensive, interdisciplinary and cross-cultural, liberal-arts education to high motivated, talented, and creative undergraduates in all majors and to build a community of scholars.

Study Abroad

You should talk to your advisor and the advisors at each of the programs below before making a decision to ensure course transferability and that you are still meeting conditions to graduate with your UNM degree.

  • Department of Economics’ Himalayan Research Experience Study Abroad is an experiential learning experience that combines research, hands-on community service-learning projects, & eco-adventure. At the heart of this program is the interdisciplinary collaborative community service-learning component that invites students from any discipline to join hands to analyze existing problems in the community and offer solutions. The study abroad program is built upon an interdisciplinary course called The Sustainable Development Action Lab.
  • UNM’s Education Abroad provides everything you need to know about studying abroad. UNM has existing programs in over 45 countries and/or you can participate in an independent study abroad or travel. You should talk to the advisors at UNM’s Global Education Office to ensure course credit can be transferred.
  • UNM National Student Exchange Program provides opportunities for you, as an undergraduate, to study for up to one calendar year at another NSE member college or university in the United States. You are also encouraged to select campuses that will stimulate personal growth and development and allow you to experience the educational, geographic, and cultural diversity found among NSE's members.

Internships

  • UNM Career Services assists students in developing, evaluating, and implementing career, education, and employment decisions. They also organize career fairs through the academic year:
    • Student Job and Internship Fair (April)
    • Graduate and Professional School Fair (September)
    • Fall Networking Event (November)
  • Handshake is UNM's career portal and on-campus recruiting site. Log in and upload your resume to gain access to hundreds of internships and post-graduate opportunities, recruiting sessions, publish your resume, and much more.
  • UNM Internships List are listed by UNM’s Center for Academic Excellence and Leadership Development and are available across the globe. You can search by internships that focus on research, leadership, service, and business.