Mailing Address: 260 Central Campus Dr., Suite 4100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Website: www.economics.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-5181
Email: advising@economics.utah.edu, grad-advising@economics.utah.edu, contact@economics.utah.edu
Department Chair: Scott Schaefer
Undergraduate Director: Ivan Mendieta-Muñoz
Graduate Director: Ellis Scharfenaker
Undergraduate Advisor: Theo Maltby
Graduate Advisor: Jeremy Thomson
Contact for Prospective Students: Mya Bethers, mya.bethers@economics.utah.edu, 801-581-5181
Mission Statement
The Department of Economics at the University of Utah is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. We provide rigorous undergraduate and graduate training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied research, fostering critical analytical skills that prepare students for careers in business, government, public policy, and academia. The department emphasizes a pluralistic approach to economic inquiry and addresses pressing societal challenges, including inequality, sustainability, globalization, and policy design, while actively engaging with local, national, and global communities.
Overview
An economy is a social system in which people engage in the production and distribution of goods and services. Who decides what will be produced? How are prices determined? Do free markets improve quality of life? How can poorer countries accelerate economic growth? What causes unemployment and inflation? What role should government play in the economy? What is the function of money?
Economics examines these questions by studying decision-making under conditions of scarcity, the organization and evolution of firms and industries, national and international economic systems, and the structure and function of social and economic institutions.
Economics majors develop strong critical-thinking and quantitative-analysis skills that enable them to address complex problems. The major prepares students for careers in law, management, finance, public service, public administration, business, government, and teaching. Economics is also an increasingly popular pre-law major. Many graduate schools in the United States offer advanced degrees in law and economics. As part of a liberal education, economics equips students to gather, analyze, interpret, and apply information to policy and managerial decision-making.
Types of Degrees
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Minor
Master of Arts/Master of Science
Master of Statistics
Doctor of Philosophy
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate economics program prepares students to understand complex economic systems, analyze data, and apply economic reasoning to real-world issues. Students complete a strong core curriculum in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods, and may tailor their studies through electives in areas such as public finance, international economics, labor economics, environmental economics, and related fields.
Signature experiences include project-based learning through the Statistical Analysis for Economics emphasis, collaboration with government and nonprofit partners, research internships, and opportunities to conduct original empirical research. Students may also engage with policy research units such as the Economic Evaluation Unit, which involves students in applied economic analysis addressing real public-policy challenges.
Advising Model
Dedicated undergraduate advisors support students throughout their academic journey. Advisors assist with degree planning, major requirements, and academic progression, and connect students with internships, research opportunities, and career resources. Advising is personalized to align with individual goals, including preparation for graduate study, law school, or careers in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Program
The graduate program in economics provides rigorous professional and academic training for careers in research, public policy, and teaching.
Students in the M.S. and M.A. programs receive comprehensive training in both theoretical and applied economics. The M.S. degree is STEM-designated and prepares students for professional roles in the public and private sectors, as well as for further academic study.
The Ph.D. program offers advanced training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics, along with specialized coursework in fields such as labor economics, environmental and resource economics, and economic development.
Signature graduate experiences include conducting original research in collaboration with faculty, participating in seminars and workshops featuring current economic research, and developing teaching skills through instructional opportunities.
Advising Model
Graduate advising is structured to support student progress through coursework, qualifying examinations, and dissertation research. Faculty mentors guide students in refining research interests, meeting program milestones, developing professionally, and pursuing placements in academia, government, or industry.
Additional Information
Financial Aid and Fellowships
Graduate financial aid will be withdrawn if the recipient is not currently enrolled in the Economics Ph.D. program.
Funding policies related to qualifying examinations are as follows:
Students who fail one qualifying exam will have funding reduced by 50 percent.
Students who fail two or more qualifying exams will lose all funding.
Students receiving a marginal result on all three qualifying exams will have funding reduced by 50 percent.
Funding lost due to poor qualifying exam performance will not be automatically restored if exam performance improves upon retaking the necessary exams.
The Department Chair or Ph.D. Committee may also withdraw funding due to unsatisfactory performance as a research or teaching assistant.
Students who enter the program without funding may become eligible for support by demonstrating strong academic performance in coursework and qualifying exams, as well as potential for teaching and research. However, the availability of funding depends on departmental needs and resources, and strong performance does not guarantee financial support.
Teaching assignments and funding beyond the fourth year are based on the following criteria:
University clearance for teaching
Satisfactory performance in previous assignments
Satisfactory progress in the program
Curricular needs
Subject-matter expertise
The Department Chair interprets and applies these criteria in individual cases. Graduate students are also eligible to apply for fellowships offered by the University.
Assistantships and Financial Aid
The Department of Economics awards scholarships and makes every effort to provide funding to as many students as possible. Applicants who do not have departmental funding or sufficient personal financial support to complete the program are discouraged from enrolling.
For questions not addressed in the catalog, admitted graduate students are encouraged to consult their program’s Policy on Standards of Academic Performance and Academic Conduct.