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Applied Economics

Master economic analysis and drive financial strategies.

At York College of Pennsylvania, our Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics degree program equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to land a career analyzing and forecasting business and economic trends.

As an Applied Economics major, study the factors shaping world markets, consumer behavior, and more. With the guidance of expert faculty, develop a sought-after skill set of quantitative, critical thinking, and analytical skills that prepare you to navigate the complex and ever-changing global economy with confidence.

As a graduate of the Applied Economics bachelor’s degree program, you stand ready to pursue an advanced degree in economics or apply your education within government, academia, banking, finance, and any sector impacted by an increasingly complex global economy.

Two students sit side by side in a classroom, with a notebook and laptop in front of them and a NASDAQ ticker visible in the background.

  • Key Courses

    Key Courses

    Applied Economics Major Requirements

    The Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics program consists of 120 credits in business, economics, global perspectives, and general education coursework. This balance provides a foundation for various careers in business, finance, or economics and for further graduate study.

    In addition to the business and economic core curriculum, elective courses allow you to focus your learning on specific topics in high-demand career areas such as:

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Finance
    • Risk Management

    With a broad theoretical understanding of the systems that underpin our economy, Applied Economics majors thrive in analytical and decision-making roles in pivotal areas of the global economy and businesses of any size.

    Courses

    Required courses in the Applied Economics major utilize experienced faculty rooted in international and local economics to impart skills in business management, economic analysis, global enterprise, and data management.

    Courses may include:

    • BUS 246: Business Communication
    • IFS 305: Management Information Systems
    • ECO 350: Intermediate Microeconomics
    • ECO 370: Money and Banking
    • IBS 401: International Economics

    Students in the BS in Applied Economics degree program may choose to begin graduate-level coursework through an accelerated 4+1 program, leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Leadership and Management with just one additional year of study following your bachelor's degree graduation. 

    Admissions and Aid

    It’s time to get closer to impactful careers leveraging economic trends. If you’re ready to become an Applied Economics major at York and get hands-on experience in real agencies and organizations, learn about undergraduate admissions.

    An important step in the application process is filling out financial aid paperwork and learning about scholarships and aid at York. Explore comprehensive financial aid information.

    Earn a BS in Applied Economics at York College of Pennsylvania

    In the Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics program at York College, you'll explore a range of economic theories and put them into practice in preparation for dynamic career opportunities in nearly every industry.

    Request more information to get started. Or, begin your online application today.

  • Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Careers for Applied Economics Majors

    As diverse industries employ analysts and consultants to understand the economic implications of policy or business decisions, opportunities for economics majors are abundant within banking, finance, government, private enterprise, research, education, and the nonprofit sector. Entry-level career areas for Applied Economics students include:

    • Market research
    • Financial analysis
    • Economic forecasting
    • Management consulting
    • Investment banking
    • Real estate

    Areas of specialty within economics careers include industrial, international, labor, demographic, and public finance economics. As skilled and well-rounded professionals, graduates of our BS in Applied Economics program have secured work post-graduation for a number of respected employers, including:

    • Bank of America
    • Canon USA
    • CDI Government Services
    • Fannie Mae
    • Pennsylvania House of Representatives

    Prepare for Graduate Education

    Advanced roles in economics, research, or upper-level business positions often require a graduate degree. As an Applied Economics major, you can engage with research opportunities, develop critical reading and writing skills, and connect with expert faculty who can write letters of recommendation as you apply to graduate programs such as:

    • Master of Arts in Economics or Applied Economics
    • Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Management
    • Master of Business Administration

    MBAs and management graduate degrees elevate careers across all ranges of business. Economics is also a popular bachelor’s degree if you want to pursue law school. At York, dedicated career resources are available to ensure your learning opportunities align with the requirements of any graduate program that interests you.

    Explore the Career Development Center’s events and services.

  • Internships & Work Experience

    Internships & Work Experience

    Internship Opportunities

    As you begin to master the essentials of the economics field and become interested in certain work environments and future career options, York College is here to help you find and secure internship opportunities that further your skills and prepare you for your post-graduation employment.

    The Mid-Atlantic region’s rich economic growth and York College’s proximity to hubs like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore make the internship of your dreams attainable. From working as an economic consulting intern in a federal agency to learning the ropes of an investment analyst or business analyst role, learn about furthering your practical knowledge through an internship tailored to you.

    Student Managed Fund

    Students concentrating in Finance and other Applied Economics majors with free electives can work with real dollars through a fund managed entirely by York College students taking FIN 225: Student Managed Fund.

    The popular Student Managed Fund program allows students across the York College community to make investment decisions, analyze fund performance, and implement economic strategies in a hands-on way. Takeaways for your future career include data visualization, financial and economic forecasting, and communication and negotiation skills.

    NASDAQ Trading Laboratory

    See theory transformed into practical experience with the Willman Business Center’s NASDAQ Trading Lab, where you can track real trades performed using the same services, software, and devices that power the largest economic hubs in the world.

    Read the latest market data on the NASDAQ ticker, use the touchscreen market wall to take a closer look, and then get to work in one of multiple workstations with access to:

    • Latest prices and trades with the Bloomberg terminal
    • Morningstar Direct database and software
    • ProBanker market environment simulators
    • StockTrak portfolio management simulation software
  • Mentorship & Community

    Mentorship & Community

    Independent Study

    Applied Economics majors at York College have the opportunity to carry out their own research with a faculty member’s guidance in their final year.

    In the Economics Seminar, students use what they've learned from different subjects and economic theory to create a research project. Throughout the entire process, faculty mentors step in to help tackle tricky parts of writing a thesis and completing an academic research paper.

    On-Campus Clubs and Organizations

    Apart from spending time learning how to forecast economic trends and communicate complex topics as professionals, Applied Economics majors can broaden their horizons and peer networks on campus with York’s 100+ student clubs and organizations.

    Explore clubs and organizations.

    Community Engagement

    Applied Economics majors have many opportunities to get involved in real economic projects and initiatives to improve the lives of the York student body and the community of York City and County. Examples of these real-world applications include:

    • In ECO: 315: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, students take part in sustainability initiatives across the York College campus community
    • In ECO 345: Economics of Urban Revitalization, students identify redevelopment opportunities within the City of York
  • High-Demand Skills

    High-Demand Skills

    Applied Economics majors at York College demonstrate a unique combination of quantitative and communication skills underpinned by a wide knowledge of business. Gain skills that lead to successful navigation of the job market and growth throughout economic careers, including: 

    • The ability to dissect complex economic problems using advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theories
    • Application of mathematical concepts to economic models and data analysis
    • Practical understanding of financial statements, managerial finance, and investment strategies
    • Development of strategic business planning and policy formulation skills
    • Familiarity with the legal and regulatory environment affecting business operations
    • Competence in managing and using information systems and technology for personal productivity and enterprise data management
    • Interpreting and making decisions based on data analytics

    Economics Minor and Related Programs

    The minor program in Economics allows students in other York College majors to broaden their understanding of the economic factors that affect their fields and lie within them. York also endeavors to help students pursue two majors if their interests inspire them toward that direction. Explore the different major and minor programs available at York, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an applied vs. traditional economics major?

    An Applied Economics major includes the practical application of economic principles, using hands-on tools like data analysis and econometrics to tackle real-world issues in sectors such as finance and agriculture. In contrast, a traditional economics major tends to focus more on abstract theories and mathematical models of economics, preparing students for research or academic careers.

    Generally, applied economics is for those who prefer a direct application of their skills in the job market, while traditional economics suits those inclined toward a theoretical approach.

  • Is Applied Economics a difficult major?

    The difficulty of an Applied Economics major depends on a student's strengths and interests. It can be challenging for those less comfortable with mathematics and data analysis, as it involves substantial use of statistical methods to solve economic problems. However, for students who are adept at critical thinking and enjoy applying quantitative skills to practical scenarios, Applied Economics can be engaging and rewarding, offering a blend of theory and hands-on analysis.

  • What can you do with a BS in Applied Economics?

    With a BS in Applied Economics, graduates can pursue careers that demand strong analytical and quantitative skills, such as economic or data analysts, financial analysts, market research analysts, policy advisors, or even entry-level economists. This degree also serves as a solid foundation for further graduate studies in economics, business, or related disciplines. The major equips students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze and address economic issues in various professional settings.

The Economics, B.S. program is accredited by ACBSP.

Contact Us
Graham School of Business
Pawan Madhogarhia, Ph.D., CFA
Chair, Department of Accounting, Finance and Business Analytics
Willman Business Center, Room 222
Phone: 717.815.2045
pmadhoga@ycp.edu