Economics Major

Economics Major

Economics

Major

Economics is the study of how to make optimal decisions in a scarce environment. Cadets in this major will focus on applying economic theory to the practice of leadership.

The economics major provides critical thinking skills applied to human behavior and answers the following questions: What is produced, how is it produced, and to whom is it allocated? Mathematical models are used to develop and test optimal resource allocation mechanisms. These models also provide the necessary foundation to analyze policy regimes within individual markets as well as aggregate economies. These skills are directly applicable to decision makers in tactical command positions who must achieve desirable outcomes with personnel and equipment constraints as well as national strategic decision makers who face similar aggregate constraints. The economics major also provides deep proficiency in quantitative methods, particularly nonlinear optimization, for more specialized areas such as operations research, resource management, and strategy. 

 

This major offers an honors track. To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Social Sciences.

Podcast: West Point cadets on why they chose to major in Social Sciences

Required Courses

SS368 ECONOMETRICS I 

SS382 MICROECONOMICS 

SS388 MACROECONOMICS

 

Sample Electives

SS380 MANPOWER-LABOR ECONOMICS 

SS387 PUBLIC FINANCE 

SS484 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

SS364 GAME THEORY 

SS380 MANPOWER-LABOR ECONOMICS 

SS385 HISTORY OF ECONOMICS 

SS387 PUBLIC FINANCE 

SS390 BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS3 

SS394 FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS 

SS461 INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION  

SS462 ECON OF STABILIZATION & GROWTH 

SS463 INVESTMENTS THEORY & APPL 

SS469 ECONOMETRICS II 

SS470 MONEY AND BANKING 

SS484 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS 

SS487 INT'L POLITICAL ECONOMY 

SS490D COLLOQUIUM (ECONOMICS) 

SS494 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE 

SS497 ISSUES IN MICROECONOMIC THEORY

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Economics Major Curriculum.

Cadets in this major have the opportunity to apply for a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience. They can also engage in activities outside of the classroom with events hosted by organizations such as the Investment Club. This major offers an honors track. 

Honor Societies:
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Social Sciences or the Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis.