CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core business subjects with a concentrated economics curriculum. You will study microeconomics and macroeconomics at intermediate levels, econometrics and statistics, and the mathematical methods needed to model economic problems. Typical modules include:

• Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics — foundations of supply and demand, market structure, national income and growth.
• Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics — consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium, open‑economy macroeconomics.
• Econometrics and Quantitative Methods — regression analysis, hypothesis testing, time series and panel data techniques.
• Mathematical Methods for Economists — calculus, optimisation and linear algebra applied to economic models.
• Public Finance and Taxation — government budgeting, taxation and redistribution effects.
• International Economics — trade theory, exchange rates and balance of payments.
• Labour Economics, Industrial Organisation and Game Theory — applied topics exploring firm behaviour, market power and strategic interaction.
• Financial Economics — fundamentals of asset pricing, corporate finance and markets.
• Electives and Capstone/Senior Seminar — specialised choices such as development economics, urban economics, environmental economics, plus a senior project or practicum.

The programme is typically structured around major requirements, business core courses and general education requirements. Many CUNY campuses also encourage or require an internship or practicum to gain practical experience in New York City's public, non‑profit and private sectors.

Entry requirements

Admissions criteria vary across CUNY colleges, but common expectations include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive GPA; colleges consider academic performance in relevant subjects.
• Mathematics preparation — successful completion of high‑school algebra and preferably calculus or pre‑calculus; demonstrated quantitative ability is important.
• Standardised tests and supplements — some campuses may consider SAT/ACT scores where provided, while many have test‑optional policies; personal statements, transcripts and recommendation letters can strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants — applicants from community colleges typically need an associate degree or a minimum number of transferable credits and a competitive college GPA; prerequisite coursework in mathematics and economics is beneficial.
• International applicants — proof of English proficiency through recognised qualifications may be required, along with evaluation of secondary credentials.

Because requirements differ by CUNY college, prospective students should consult the admissions page of the specific campus they plan to attend for precise criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Economics from CUNY enter a wide range of careers. The programme’s quantitative and analytical focus is valued across sectors:

• Private sector roles: financial analyst, market research analyst, business analyst, data analyst, risk analyst, economic consultant.
• Public sector and non‑profits: policy analyst, budget analyst, urban planner, research associate in government agencies and NGOs.
• Professional services: management consulting, auditing and advisory services that require economic modelling and strategic thinking.
• Further study: many graduates continue to postgraduate programmes in economics, finance, public policy, business (MBA) or law.

Internships and capstone projects completed during study often lead directly to entry‑level positions or help clarify specialisations for graduate study.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to study in one of the world’s major economic and financial centres, with close links to industry, government agencies and research institutions across New York City. Key reasons to choose CUNY include:

• Applied learning opportunities — a range of internships, practicum placements and partnerships with businesses, municipal agencies and think tanks.
• Diverse student body — a multicultural campus environment that reflects the city’s population and prepares students for global workplaces.
• Affordable public education — a public university system with pathways for in‑state, commuter and transfer students, and strong support services.
• Faculty and research — instructors who combine academic research with applied experience in urban economics, labour markets and public policy.
• Career services and alumni network — on‑campus career centres and a large alumni community in business, government and non‑profit sectors across New York.

Together, these features make CUNY a practical choice for students seeking an economics education grounded in quantitative skills and real‑world experience.