Economics (BA)

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Program Description

Economics is the study of human decision-making, considered in relation to the economic tasks of life. It looks at how individuals within larger social groups, including communities, organizations, markets, and economies, make decisions about how much to work and play, spend and save. Economic analysis also considers how the economic decisions made by one group of people affect the decisions made by others and how the aggregated effects of these decisions impact production, distribution, trade, and the consumption of goods and services across local regions, countries, and the world.

The Economics curriculum at NYU Abu Dhabi is designed to introduce students to these fundamental dynamics of human life and, in doing so, is grounded in three basic pedagogical principles:

Undergraduate students must be exposed to the “big ideas” and pressing social issues of our world and given the economic frameworks for thinking about them. Meaningful study of economics requires being able to think about problems from local, regional, and global perspectives. Effective economic reasoning increasingly involves a multidisciplinary approach combining the best economic thinking with the best thinking in psychology, history, statistics and politics.

Building on these principles, the Economics major is designed to foster rigorous analytical abilities, critical writing and communication skills, and the capacity to interpret and use statistical data—all in the service of developing sound economic reasoning and problem-solving skills. These transferable strengths are of value in a broad array of academic and professional paths, from economics, business, or law, to public service or graduate studies.

Foundations of Social Science

Foundations of Social Science (FSS) has four components that focus on (1) intellectual traditions in the social sciences (Social, Political, and Economic Theory: SPET), (2) global development in historical perspective (Social, Political, and Economic History: SPEH), (3) quantitative reasoning and numeracy, and (4) gateway courses into the majors. 

Students come to NYUAD with a great diversity of backgrounds in terms of their grasp of societal and economic development and globalization, with a vision that is often narrowed by regional foci of high school curricula. FSS is designed to broaden and amplify students’ understandings of the world and global processes. Required and elective courses in each of the majors will be able to build on this foundation, thereby fostering intellectual growth.

Beyond their role in the programs, Foundations of Social Science courses are open to all students and will deliver high value to any student curious about the development of societies and social thought; the substance and skills students learn in these courses will be applicable across the liberal arts spectrum. They are designed to foster informed world citizenship.

Concentrations (Optional)

As part of the Economics major, the program is offering students the possibility to complete an optional concentration in a more specialized area of Economics. Three optional concentrations therefore stand in addition to the existing BA Economics program. In addition to meeting all of the graduation requirements for the major, students who wish to pursue a concentration will need to complete additional coursework. A maximum of 2 concentration courses can be used to satisfy major requirements.

Quantitative Economics Analysis

Tailored for students interested in pursuing economic research this concentration emphasizes rigorous quantitative methods, econometrics, mathematical modeling and historical economic methods. It prepares students for PhD programs in economics, research positions in public and private sectors, and analytical roles in think tanks and international organizations.

Finance & Market Studies

This concentration will provide students with rigorous training on the functioning of financial markets and the determinants of asset prices. This specialization also provides a deep dive into investment strategies and the role of finance in the economy. It's suited for students aiming for careers in banking, investment analysis, and financial consulting.

Applied Economics & Economic Policy

This concentration will recognize students who went beyond the requirements – in having credited more courses-- but who do not necessarily want to start a career in academia. The typical student taking this Concentration sees themselves as future policy makers, or working in the private sector in an area that requires a solid command of some applied fields in economics. The concentration has two implicit tracks: micro/behavioral and global/development. It will provide the foundations for students’ understanding of global and national economic problems, development, understanding and design of evidence-based policies and institutions that will improve social welfare.

Study Away

The study away pathway can be found on the NYUAD Student Portal at students.nyuad.nyu.edu/pathways. Students with questions should contact the Office of Global Education.

Students who plan on taking Intermediate Macro at NY-London, NYU-NY, NYU-Florence must first complete either SOCSC-UH 1011 Global Economic, Political and Social Development or ECON-UH 1112 Introduction to Macroeconomics as enrollment prerequisites for those global sites.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.