Economics

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
3114 Tydings Hall
Phone: 301-405-3266
econadvising@umd.edu
http://econ.umd.edu

Economists analyze how people make choices. This statement may seem very simplistic, but it captures the most fundamental aspects of the economics discipline. The range of issues and circumstances that shape peoples' choice are vast and complicated, so economists use conceptual tools to focus on the most important decision-making factors and to predict typical outcomes of peoples' interactions. Economists also use empirical tools to test theory, analyze data, and inform ongoing decision-making. Policymakers in both government and business rely on economists for research findings and advice.

Chair: A. Sweeting (Professor)

Director: E. Moody (Director of Undergraduate Studies & Senior Lecturer)

Professors: K. Abraham (Distinguished University Professor), S. Aruoba, L. Ausubel, J. Chao, M. Cropper (Distinguished University Professor), A. Drazen, E. Filiz-Ozbay, S. Galiani, J. Haltiwanger (Distinguished University Professor), J. Hellerstein, Z. Jin, S. Kalemli-Ozcan, M. Kearney, G. Kuersteiner, Y. Masatlioglu, P. Murrell, E. Ozbay, I. Prucha (Distinguished University Professor), S. Urzua, D. Vincent, J. Wallis

Associate Professors:  P. Coughlin, J. Goldberg, E. Kaplan, P. Ottonello, J. Shea (Assoc. Chair & Director of Graduate Studies), L. Stevens

Assistant Professors: P. De Leo, T. Drechsel, N. Pope, D. Reck, C. Yang 

Lecturers: H. Abbasi Alikamar (Senior Lecturer), M. Copelman (Senior Lecturer), A. Finkle, A. Gandhi (Senior Lecturer), A. Kerr, E. Leibtag, N. Sarna (Senior Lecturer), S. Scandizzo (Senior Lecturer), J. Straub (Senior Lecturer)

Professors Emeriti: C. Almon, R. Bennett, R. Betancourt, C. Clague, C. Clement, P. Cramton, C. Hulten, H. Kelejian, M. McGuire, P. Meyer, R. Schwab, P. Wonnacot

Major

3108 Tydings Hall
Phone: 301-405-8367
econadvising@umd.edu

Departmental academic advisors are available to assist current and prospective majors. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once an academic year to verify progress in their program requirements. Further information on courses, internships, the department honors program, career planning, and graduate schools may also be obtained from the advisors.

The Economics Undergraduate Advising Office offers both in-person and virtual services. Advisors are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by email, phone, drop-ins, and/or scheduled appointments. Additional details about advising availability is posted at http://econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/advising-resources/.

Honors Program

The Economics Honors Program provides economics majors with the opportunity for advanced study in a seminar format, with faculty supervision of an honors thesis. The Honors Program is designed for students planning to attend graduate school or those seeking an in-depth study of economic theory and its application to economic problems.

For detailed information on the Honors Program, including eligibility requirements, visit the ECON website at http://econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/departmental-honors-program/.

Student Societies and Professional Organizations

The Economics Association of Maryland (EAM) is an undergraduate club that provides an opportunity for students to get to know their fellow ECON majors outside the classroom. This undergraduate club is a great way to learn about new developments in the department, employment opportunities, fellowships, and graduate school requirements. The meetings are quite diverse, ranging from socials to scholarly talks to information sessions.

Women in Economics (WIE) in an undergraduate club that serves to function as a social network and safe space for women and non-binary individuals studying economics to come together with their allies to learn from each others’ experiences. WIE hopes to provide both professional and emotional support for traditionally underrepresented groups within the field of economics, and to foster relationships that will lead to the success of members in their time at UMD and later in their careers.

Promoting Achievement and Diversity in Economics (PADE) is a Department of Economics initiative to increase the participation of students whose identities are underrepresented in economics in graduate school and related careers. PADE students attend weekly one-on-one meetings with a graduate student for academic support and enrichment, and receive regular academic and career advising from the PADE faculty director. Students also participate in professional and academic development activities.

Please see the undergraduate economics advisors in 3108 Tydings for more information.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other university offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: http://financialaid.umd.edu.

Awards and Recognition

  • The Kenneth Bupp Scholarship is awarded to an academically successful economics major with demonstrated financial need.
  • The Dudley and Louisa Dillard Award is given to an outstanding economics honors student with one of the best honors thesis.
  • The Rupa Duttagupta Fellowship supports an economics major with demonstrated financial need and a solid academic standing.
  • The Melanie E. (Lee) Easley Memorial Scholarship supports an economics major with demonstrated financial need and a solid academic standing.
  • The Honorable Idamae Garrott Memorial Scholarship supports academically talented majors who demonstrate financial need.
  • The Sujon Guha Memorial Award for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Leadership is awarded to an economics honors student with one of the best honors thesis.
  • The Martin Moskowitz Award is presented to a graduating senior based on academic excellence and a demonstrated commitment to and philosophy of public service.
  • The Moskowitz Family Scholarship is awarded to an academically successful economics major with demonstrated financial need.
  • The Peggy Rae and John Sapienza Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior economics major and is intended to facilitate the education of a hardworking student and encourage him/her toward graduation.
  • The Mark C. Sullivan Economics Scholarship is awarded to an economics major who came from the eastern part of the state and has high academic performance.
  • The Mark D. Turner and Tracye C. Turner Scholarship in Economics is awarded to an economics major who shows commitment to using their degree to assist minority communities.