About UMSL Economics
Nearly every decision which a person, business, or government makes falls under the purview of economic analysis. In economics course work, students learn to think analytically and apply their knowledge to a broad range of topics and problems.
Strong Student-Faculty Relationships. Students will find small class sizes and faculty who are enthusiastic about the classes they are teaching and the related research they are doing.
The department takes pride in its student mentoring. Faculty advisers work closely with students to help them match their coursework with their career goals. Students work together in our Economic Resource Center (ERC), which offers peer tutoring and also serves as a computer lab, study, and gathering space.
The close relationships students develop on campus continue after graduation. Many alumni keep in touch with one another and with faculty, leading to lifelong relationships. To hear from the students themselves about their experiences at UMSL, see Testimonials.
Because faculty members get to know their students so well, they are a great resource for helping students navigate the job market and the graduate admissions process.
Extensive Coursework in Data Analysis. A unique feature of our program is the opportunity to take a large number of courses in applied economics and data analysis. Our department regularly offers five econometrics courses (including Forecasting, Time Series, and Applied). Other quantitative courses include Cost-Benefit Analysis, Managerial Economics, Business Cycles, and Geospatial (GIS) Analysis.
A Challenging Curriculum that Leads to Excellent Job Placements. Students acquire a versatile set of skills valued in the workplace—whether in industry, government, or the nonprofit sector—as evidenced by the strong placements of our graduates. Our graduates are also accepted into top graduate programs. (See more about careers for UMSL Economics graduates. Our alumni play an important role in this process, providing informal networking for students as well as keeping faculty members apprised of internship and job opportunities.
Diverse Course Offerings. In addition to coursework in data analysis, electives include natural resource economics, international economics, financial economics, labor economics, history of American economic development, game theory; market structure, strategy, and pricing; and work, families and public policy.
Undergraduate and Graduate Research Opportunities. Students can work as research assistants on faculty research projects and as peer tutors in the Economic Resource Center (ERC). Students can also collaborate on research projects through the UMSL student chapter of NABE.
Stem Designation
The BS Econ and MA Econ programs at UMSL have been designated as STEM Programs (CIP Code: 450603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics), effective 3/1/2019. This reclassification means that international students who receive these degrees can obtain three years of optional practical training (OPT). In non-STEM fields, international students are eligible for only 1 year of OPT.