Economics Major | Temple University

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Understand social behavior and business conduct from an economist’s perspective with the Bachelor of Arts in Economics in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program helps you think critically and logically about the economy.

The Economics Major curriculum emphasizes using an orderly way of thinking about—and solving—problems that can arise when making choices in situations that are beyond your direct experience. Coursework helps you gain the abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills used in economics. You’ll study economic aspects of current events and public policy, microeconomic and macroeconomic analyses, economics in the context of specific sectors of the economy or economic dilemmas, global economic issues and more.

Students are well-positioned for careers in both public and private sectors, including careers in business, consulting, government, health sciences, international relations, public policy and more.

Choosing Between Temple’s Economics Degrees

Temple University offers three unique economics undergraduate degrees, each with a clear focus and tailored for specific career outcomes. In addition to the Economics Major, Temple offers the following economics degree programs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economics in the College of Science and Technology specializes in the mathematical approach to economics. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics, finance and other disciplines that require equal grounding in economics and mathematics.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics in the Fox School of Business is ideal for students interested in acquiring a general business background with specialized exposure to economics. This major prepares students for management roles in both the public and private sectors.

Students are concentrating on their laptops during class.

Classes & Curriculum

Courses offered in the Economics BA degree program include the following.

Econometrics
The Economics of Education and Human Capital
Economics Inequality
The Economics of Sports
International Monetary Economics
International Trade

Students are required to complete a senior capstone project through the Economics in Writing Seminar course.

Learn more about the Economics BA curriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

Temple offers 10 accelerated +1 Accelerated Degree programs. Eligible undergraduate students can use up to 12 specified graduate credits approved by the College of Liberal Arts to fulfill requirements for their undergraduate degree. Students apply for graduate degree programs in their junior year.

Students earn a BA or BS degree upon successful completion of their fourth year. At the end of their fifth year, students earn an MA or MS degree.

Learn more about accelerated programs in the College of Liberal Arts.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $18,864.00 per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contacts

For questions regarding the Economics Major, contact the following staff member.

Belinda Wilson is the administrator in the Economics Department.
Phone: 215-204-0472
Email: bwilson@temple.edu

The following staff members lead the Economics Department.

Michael Bognanno is the chair.
Email: bognanno@temple.edu

Michael Leeds is the director of undergraduate studies.
Phone: (215) 204-8030
Email: mleeds@temple.edu

Janice Vincent is the coordinator.
Phone: 215-204-8880
Email: jvincent@temple.edu

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in Temple’s Honors Program. Learn more about the program and how to be admitted.

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
Golden Key is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.
Phi Beta Kappa is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Learn more about Temple’s Honor Societies.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at Temple with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The Temple Economics Society is a student professional organization committed to offering students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of economics, while providing a forum for discussion of specific issues of interest and the exploration of future career possibilities.

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your Temple experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at Temple’s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

LA-ECON-BA

Additional Program Information

Available as a minor.

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