Economics and public policy

Economics provides students with a systematic way of understanding the world around them. Economics is a social science that studies human behavior, markets, and how people, organizations and governments make choices about the use of resources. A degree in economics gives students career opportunities in many fields and excellent preparation for postgraduate study. The Economics Department hosts an experimental economics lab and an experimental economics research program. It has also has special expertise in behavioral economics and resource economics. It is home to the Rasmuson Chair in Economics, the only fully privately endowed scholarly chair at the University of Alaska, which brings leading economics scholars to be in residence at UAA for terms up to a year. It offers courses for both degree and non-degree-seeking students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students who wish to major in economics may choose either the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). A Minor in Economics is also offered.