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.
About the BS in Applied Economics
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 that leverage 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.
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.
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
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 create a research project using what they've learned from different subjects and economic theory. Throughout the process, faculty mentors step in to help tackle the 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
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 and lie within their fields. 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:
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
The Applied Economics, B.S., program is accredited by ACBSP.
This accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.
Applied Economics Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Communication | BUS 246 | 3 credits |
| Management Information Systems | IFS 305 | 3 credits |
| Intermediate Economics | ECO 350 | 3 credits |
| Money and Banking | ECO 370 | 3 credits |
| International Economics | IBS 401 | 3 credits |
Careers in Applied Economics
These are just a few of the many career opportunities graduates of the Applied Economics degree may find:
Market Research
Financial Analysis
Economic Forecasting
Management Consulting
Investment Banking
Real Estate
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Meet The Faculty
View All Faculty
Applied Economics in Action
View All News
Related Programs
Accounting
Students who enjoy analyzing financial information and solving problems, are curious about what makes companies profitable, want to be key decision-makers, and have a strong commitment to organizational ethics would succeed in this in-demand major. An accounting degree from York College prepares you for a world of opportunities.
Business Analytics
Today’s businesses depend on data to operate efficiently. From understanding client behavior to analyzing sales to projecting budgetary needs and more — the people who collect and interpret this information play an essential role in any company. York College’s bachelor’s in Business Analytics will prepare you to contribute to an organization in the industry of your choice. You’ll get hands-on experience working with statistical analysis, information technology, quantitative methods, and computer-based models to leverage data in real-world business settings.
Finance
At York College of Pennsylvania, our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance degree program builds the skills you need for careers handling the financial decisions of individuals and businesses. We know that you need more than just mathematics and accounting knowledge for key roles in the financial industry. That’s why Finance majors at York College get a head start working on real-world projects that develop skills ranging from business savvy to relationship-building, from analysis and fintech to leadership.
General Business
By pairing business’ core principles with any minor at York College, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) concentrating in General Business degree provides you with a solid understanding over all the business disciplines and the opportunity to add another area of interest for a unique business education experience. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skill set to pursue a generalist managerial position in industries and organizations that interest you.
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain managers coordinate business activities within and between companies. They are responsible for planning, sourcing, making, and delivering products and services at the right price, in the right quantity, and at the right location for their customers. In the Supply Chain Management degree program at York College, students are involved in highly experiential activities and learn by doing. Our mantra is “It is not enough to know how; you must know why.”
Mathematics
York College’s Mathematics graduates are entering a diverse and growing career field. Whether you want to guide younger generations in understanding math through teaching or you hope to discover new tools in technology and science, the Mathematics program at York College can prepare you. Our Mathematics majors are challenged throughout their education and learn to develop new ideas from fellow students and faculty. Join the York College Math Club to build relationships with others and dive into social events surrounding the math major. Conduct research alongside professors, using our small class sizes to your advantage in getting personalized attention.