Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Economics?

Economics addresses the problem of using scarce resources to satisfy society’s unlimited wants. The discipline is divided into two (2) general areas: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores questions about the way society allocates resources; it applies to public policy in such areas as urban, industrial organization, and labor economics. Macroeconomics considers such questions as the causes of inflation and unemployment, and it applies to such areas as monetary development and international economics.


Major in Economics

An economics major teaches cutting-edge tools for data collection and analysis while helping you build the necessary skills to analyze and discuss the most important economics issues of today. You'll develop a competitive foundation for graduate study in economics, business, law, or policy, while preparing for a wide array of career options in both the public and private sectors. The UO Economics major is STEM designated. 


Professor and students in the classroom

Minor in Economics

The Department of Economics offers a minor for students pursuing other majors. Undergraduate courses in economics provide broad knowledge of the field as a part of the program of liberal arts education offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. They also lay a solid foundation in economics for students interested in professional graduate training in economics or in careers in business, law, government, or journalism.

Minor Requirements


Photo of Ali Campbell

“Going into college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, but I knew I was interested in learning about real-world problems and solutions. After taking my first economics class I realized it was the right major for me, not only because I enjoy the subject itself, but also because of the immense support by all of the faculty I have interacted with, even in larger lower-division classes.”

—Ali Campbell, Economics and Political Science, '23


peers collabarating

Collaborate with Peers

The UO Economics Club is a space for students, faculty, and community members with an interest in economics. Our weekly meetings feature guest speakers and other opportunities for student engagement outside of a classroom setting.  

Hands-on Learning


Econ graduates

What You Can Do with an Economics Degree

An economics major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms, and get answers.

Departmental Advising and Support


Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of Economics. 

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

Let's Talk - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC
Dec6
Let's Talk - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC Dec 6 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Zoey Kambour, 2023 Martha Thorsland Baker Fellow
Dec21
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Zoey Kambour, 2023 Martha Thorsland Baker Fellow Dec 21
Reading by Claire Luchette & Morgan Thomas
Jan10
Reading by Claire Luchette & Morgan Thomas Jan 10 Knight Library
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series
Jan18
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series Jan 18
New Media and Culture Certificate Open House
Jan22
New Media and Culture Certificate Open House Jan 22 Knight Library
Wine Chat: "The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture"
Jan25
Wine Chat: "The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture" Jan 25 Capitello Wines
Never Convicted, Never Prosecuted: How Traitors Wrote Their Way Out of Prison and Into Lost Cause Mythology
Jan30
Never Convicted, Never Prosecuted: How Traitors Wrote Their Way Out of Prison and Into Lost Cause Mythology Jan 30 McKenzie Hall
Winter Career & Internship Expo
Feb1
Winter Career & Internship Expo Feb 1 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Guest Worker: Lives across Borders in an Age of Prosperity, 1919-75
Feb13
Guest Worker: Lives across Borders in an Age of Prosperity, 1919-75 Feb 13 McKenzie Hall
Poetry Reading by Aaron Baker 
Feb14
Poetry Reading by Aaron Baker  Feb 14 Knight Library