A foundation in economic analysis

How do people make decisions under the restraints of limited resources? How can mathematical models and statistical analysis help us understand the implications of those decisions? And how can incentives alter our decision making processes? If these questions intrigue you, UNE’s minor in Economics just may be the perfect complement to your major field of study. You’ll discover that economics intersects many disciplines and has applications in a diverse range of fields, from finance, government, and health care to education, the environment, and social services. Moreover, the critical and analytic thinking skills that you acquire in the Economics minor can be broadly applied to virtually any field, making this an ideal program for enhancing your professional prospects. 

A U N E student explains a graph drawn on a whiteboard, titled "Money Market," to a fellow student

Why UNE

Contrary to popular belief, not all economists work in the finance industry. Many different fields require professionals who are familiar with economic theories and who can implement economic tools of analysis. UNE’s Economics minor is not just a pared down version of an economics major. It is a unique program that supports and complements study in multiple fields. 

  • Offers diverse courses and small class sizes 
  • Promotes interdisciplinary study 
  • Supports internships with many local partner companies 
  • Enhances career prospects no matter what your major is
     

As a Sustainability and Business major, I found that an Economics minor helped me tie together the two elements of the environment and business within my major. I feel as though this minor has greatly complemented my major and has made me a more versatile and well-rounded student.” — Abbie Anderson ‘23

Academics

Experiential Learning

Whether you’re discussing current events in class, performing a market analysis, completing a research project in consumer behavior, or interning at a local business, UNE’s Economics minor is all about getting the hands-on practice that you need to bring knowledge of economics into your chosen career path.

Research

As an Economics minor, you can meld your knowledge of economics with your major area of study through a wide variety of research projects, such as:

  • Analyzing census data to determine economic outcomes
  • Researching consumer behavior
  • Performing a supply and demand analysis within a particular industry

Internships

Interning at a local business is a great way to explore ways in which you can combine your interest in economics with your passion for your major. Our Economics minors have interned at a variety of sites, including:

  • Manomet U360
  • Real Estate Agencies
  • Land Trust Organizations
  • Insurance Companies
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • City Halls
  • Local Arts Advocacy Organizations

Examples of Available Courses

In addition to required courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, other coursework in the minor may include:

  • Environmental Economics
  • International Trade and Finance
  • Health Care Economics
  • Money, Credit, and Banking
  • Economic Development of the United States

Curriculum

A student with a major other than Business Administration may, with the permission of the academic director, minor in Economics. Students with a major in Business Administration may pursue one of the concentrations within the business administration degree, including but not limited to: management, marketing, economics, international business, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, or health sector management.

Required Courses Credits
BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics 3
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics 3
Plus four (4) 300- or 400-level Economics courses as prescribed below. Economic courses may include but are not limited to Credits
BUEC 365 – Evolution of Economic Theory 3
BUEC 370 – Money Credit and Banking 3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance 3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the U.S. 3
BUEC 385 – Health Economics 3
BUEC 390/ENV 324 – Environmental Economics 3
BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics 3
PSC 322 – International Political Economy 3
Total Required Credits 18

To learn more see the Academic Catalog.

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Find Your Career

Through your strong foundation in economic analysis, as well as your experiences with interdisciplinary study, research projects, and student internships, you will graduate fully prepared to apply your understanding of economies and how they function to the work being done in a variety of different fields.

Specific careers that are well-suited to someone with an Economics minor include:

  • Budget or Credit Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Accountant
  • Investment Advisor
  • Marketing Researcher/Pricing Analyst
  • Small Business Owner
  • Health Economist
  • Project/Management Consultant
  • Program Evaluator
  • Business Software Developer
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Political Analyst
  • Political Affairs Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Intelligence Analyst
Pair an Economics Minor With a UNE Major in For a Career in the Field of
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Marine Sciences
  • Marine Affairs
  • Environmental Policy
  • Medical Biology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies
  • Health Policy
  • Political Science
  • Education
  • Criminology
  • Public Policy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Accounting
  • Data Mining
  • Actuarial Analytics
  • Market Analytics
  • Global Studies
  • Applied Social and Cultural Studies
  • International Relations
  • Sustainability and Business
  • Marine Entrepreneurship
  • Self-Employment
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Market Research Analytics
  • Consulting
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Behavioral Finance

Economics Careers by the Numbers

#9

Maine’s rank among all states and D.C. in highest average economist salary

Zippia, 2022
$108,350

national average salary for economists

U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2020

Contact

Undergraduate Admissions

Contact Undergraduate Admissions at (800) 477-4863 or email admissions@une.edu. You can also stop by our office on the Biddeford Campus Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.