Prospective Students

Information for Prospective Students

We are very excited you’re interested in studying economics with us. As an undergraduate student in the Department of Economics at the University of New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to learn about the most pressing problems of this century through the lens of an economist. Working with a committed, diverse faculty, you will learn in-demand skills and knowledge as you progress through the program. You will take a set of foundational economics courses before embarking on electives that suit your own interest. There is also a host of ways to Enrich Your Econ Degree through research opportunities, internships, study abroad, and much more.  

The undergraduate program offers a major and minor both on campus and online. Beginning in Academic Year 2023-2024, the Department of Economics is excited to offer a Shared Credit Master of Arts in Economics Plan III (coursework only). Learn more here!

Whether you’re a new incoming freshman with your heart set on economics, transitioning out of the exploration/undecided period, or kicking around the idea of switching majors, we’ll be here for you when you’re ready to declare Economics as your major. It’s never too early or too late to join our program.

Flexible Learning Paths

The breadth of electives and flexibility of the program allows students to choose coursework that best fits their interests and post-graduate ambitions. Below are suggested courses grouped by focus but you can choose any combination of courses for your degree. Note - not all courses we offer are listed below and many may fall into more than one area. See the Course Catalog for a full list of course offerings. Students are encouraged to discuss the selection of electives with the Economics Undergraduate Advisor or Undergraduate Director.

Public Policy Economics: for students planning to pursue a career with a local, state or federal government agency, plan to earn an advanced degree in public administration or public policy, and/or for students interested in how governments can improve social welfare.
ECON 2220: Economics of Race and GenderPlus Complementary course by individual policy interest
ECON 315: Money and BankingHealth Economics:
ECON 331: Poverty and Discrimination  ECON 335: Health Economics
ECON 350: Public Finance  ECON 410: Topics in Health Economics
ECON 360: History of Economic ThoughtLabor Economics:
ECON 369: Problem Based Learning Using Data  ECON 320: Labor Economics
ECON 408: Economic Forecasting Methods  ECON 330: Consumer Economics
ECON 409: Intermediate Econometrics  ECON 427: Topics in Labor Economics
ECON 466: Public Sector Project AnalysisEnvironmental: 
  ECON 342: Environmental Economics
  ECON 343: Natural Resource Economics
Firms and Markets:
  ECON 332: Economics of Regulation
  ECON 333: Industrial Organization
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International Development and Sustainability Economics: for students planning to pursue a career that focuses on economic growth and well-being through physical, human, social, and environmental resources and domestic and international policies in the context of low-income and emerging economies.
ECON 321: Development EconomicsECON 369: Problem Based Learning Using Data
ECON 331: Poverty and DiscriminationECON 408: Economic Forecasting Methods
ECON 343: Natural Resource EconomicsECON 424: International Trade
ECON 335: Health Economics
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Quantitative Economics (Data Analysis, Economic Modeling, and Forecasting): for students planning to pursue a career as financial or economic analysts, policy analysts, or forecasters; or for students planning to attend graduate studies in economics.
ECON 369: Problem Based Learning Using DataECON 408: Economic Forecasting Methods
ECON 402: Applied Economic Theory and AnalysisECON 409: Intermediate Econometrics
ECON 407: Mathematical Methods in Economics
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Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: for students planning to pursue a career that focuses on environmental policy analysis, consulting, and resource management related to areas such as water, forestry, agriculture, climate change, and fisheries.
ECON 2125: Society and the EnvironmentECON 408: Economic Forecasting Methods
ECON 342: Environmental EconomicsECON 409: Intermediate Econometrics
ECON 343: Natural Resource EconomicsECON 442: Topics in Environmental and Natural Resoruce Economics
ECON 407: Mathematical Methods in Economics
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Business, Finance, and Regulation: for students planning to pursue a career in business, finance, banks, consulting, or regulation; and/or for those interested in pursuing business graduate degrees or pre-law.
ECON 2130: Personal InvestingECON 333: Industrial Organization
ECON 315: Money and BankingECON 350: Public Finance
ECON 320: Labor EconomicsECON 408: Economic Forecasting Methods
ECON 330: Consumer EconomicsECON 409: Intermediate Econometrics
ECON 332: Economics of RegulationECON 424: International Trade

 

Becoming an Economics Major or Minor at UNM is as Easy as 1-2-3

Visit for information on how to join the UNM Economics Accelerated Online Program.

Step 1. Become a Main Campus Lobo by Applying to UNM – Main Campus

Any student wishing to pursue a B.A. in Economics should firstly be admitted to UNM. UNM makes it easy for students to apply. Go to http://www.unm.edu/apply to find out admission requirements and to select your application depending on your “student-type” (e.g., first-time freshmen, transfer student, international student, etc.)

Step 2. Declare your Major or Minor in Economics with our Department Undergraduate Advisor

When you’re ready, and whether you want to declare Economics as a major, add it as a double major, switch majors, or add a minor, schedule an appointment with the Economics Department Undergraduate Advisor using LoboAchieve. Follow the LoboAchieve Scheduling Instructions to help guide you. For general advisement questions you may also call (505) 277- 4621 or email econadvise@unm.edu (must be sent from UNM email and include UNM ID#).

Step 3. Automatically Transition from Pre-Major to Major

When the following conditions are met, you’ll automatically be transitioned from Pre-Major to Major status. (i) Completed at least 26 student credit hours (SCH), (ii) cumulative GPA is at least 2.0, (iii) satisfied the following UNM General Education areas (grade of C or better in each course): 6 credits in Communication, 3 credits in Mathematics and Statistics, 3 credits in Second Language, and (iv) earned a grade of C or better in ECON 2110: Macroeconomic Principles and ECON 2120: Microeconomic Principles.

Interested? Connect with US!

If you’re interested in learning more about the program or how you can become a part of it, reach out to our dedicated Undergraduate Advisor or Undergraduate Director team:

Kayla Dubrule, Economics Department Undergraduate Advisor

To declare an economics major and consultation on your degree requirements, minors/2nd majors, academic holds, class scheduling/semester planning, advisement paperwork, or referrals to campus resources, please make an appointment with the advisor. To schedule an appointment, follow the Loboachieve Scheduling Instructions. For general advisement questions email econadvise@unm.edu. Emails must be sent from your UNM email address and include your UNM ID #.

Dr. Dave Dixon and Dr. Cristina Reiser, Economics Department Undergraduate Program Co-Directors

For consultation on course choices, internships, graduate school planning, and careers, please email one of the Undergraduate Directors, Dr. Cristina Reiser at creiser@unm.edu or Dr. Dave Dixon at ddixon@unm.edu. Emails must be sent from your UNM email and include your UNM ID #. 

In addition, Advisement at the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Academic Success provides information on connecting with advisement services, workshops, and orientations.