In the economics major, we ask big questions to uncover meaningful answers. Guided by economic principles, these answers solve global issues from poverty to the environment.
Why Major in Economics at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlights
Dylan McBridewood (left) and Felipe Ahumada approached climate research from an economics perspective. “My work contributes to accurately pricing climate risks within municipal bonds, potentially leading to increased financing costs in flood-prone regions and reduced costs in safer areas.”
Dylan McBridewood Class of ’23
Felipe Ahumada took a different research route and applied economics to the prestigious McCullough Fellowship, which focuses on conservation, land use, and environmental resiliency.
Sorting through 171 boxes of detailed information, maps, and photographs of some 1,240 Asheville homes, lots, and businesses, economics majors investigate the impacts of urban renewal on the local area. Delving into these historical documents, students and faculty work together to make their data and analyses publicly accessible as the City of Asheville moves toward its reparations goals. Read more about our efforts accounting for what was lost.
“I like the concept of being able to participate in a discussion vs. being told facts.”
Kristen Lopez, Class of ’23
“Economics is the study of people’s decision making. To me, there is no better scope through which to understand the material and social world around us. There is no industry, no person, no community, no country in the whole world that can not be analyzed and studied using Economic Theory. To me, Economics is one of the most useful fields of study; not only is it interesting, but it gives you real world applicable tools that you can use in your daily life.”
Nadia Fourie, Class of ’26
Outside the Classroom
Hands-on learning is a big part of UNC Asheville’s liberal arts approach to education. Students can apply their knowledge and explore their interests and potential careers through student clubs and organizations, internships, and by attending and participating in events and competitions.
Lead a Research Project
All economics majors undertake a research project, a résumé-building experience that adds immense value whether students plan on attending graduate school or heading straight into their career. Research opportunities may present themselves through the Undergraduate Research Program or a capstone project in ECON 450, where students will explore a topic and prepare a research proposal. This proposal is implemented in the following semester in ECON 480. Students can pursue their interests in a range of possible topics, from the ROI of a city’s renewable energy project to the cost of locally produced foods to the price of NBA tickets.
Internships
In the last year, economics students have found internships at companies such as AG Analytics, Pine Gate Renewables, and Earth Equity Advisors, a local ESG investment firm. In their work, they report learning how data is used for calculating financial and climate risk, as well as the nuances of transitioning to a more sustainable energy grid and how to put money to work to make sustainable changes to our world – all essential skills for anyone interested in finance, business, policy, or sustainability.
Events
Our economics events and guest speaker lectures cover a variety of topics such as global poverty, economic trends, race, growth and inequity, international financial crises, the economics of sports, and the economics of terrorism. Additionally, we offer informational sessions on Masters in Economics and Public Policy programs. The department also offers class-based field trips career-preparedness, having worked in conjunction with organizations such as the Atlanta Federal Reserve and the Money Museum.
Meet the Faculty
Small class sizes and our liberal arts focus make the economics major ideal for students seeking a personalized education. Our supportive faculty mentor students through their studies and guide them as they take on research projects, encouraging their curiosity and independence at every step of the way.
Leah Greden Mathews, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Economics, Chair of Business
| Office: 147 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6551 |
| Email: lmathews@unca.edu |
Kathleen Lawlor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
| Office: 152 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3983 |
| Email: klawlor@unca.edu |
Melissa Mahoney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
| Office: 157 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6672 |
| Email: mmahoney@unca.edu |
Muhammad Nawaz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
| Office: 153 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6834 |
| Email: mnawaz@unca.edu |
Robert Tatum, Ph.D.
Professor; Cary Caperton Owen Chair
| Office: 156 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6569 |
| Email: rtatum@unca.edu |
Jeff Konz, Ph.D.
Director of Institutional Research and Professor of Economics
| Office: 246B Rhoades Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6570 |
| Email: jkonz@unca.edu |
Chris Bell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Emeritus
Economics Bachelor’s Degree Careers
Through our robust curriculum and hands-on opportunities, UNC Asheville economics majors acquire important skills employers seek in a variety of fields, including finance, small business, education, the nonprofit sector, government, and more. Many graduates also use their research experience as a stepping stone to graduate school in economics and data analytics or professional school in business and law. For all students, their experiences at UNC Asheville are essential to their critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. Alumni of the Economics Department at UNC Asheville have gained employment at companies such as Fidelity, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and Nationwide Insurance.
Others have chosen to undertake entrepreneurship, both locally and nationally, or pursued research careers at RTI International. We are also proud that several recent alumni have attended graduate school in various fields including Economics, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Business Analytics, and Museum Studies. Those seeking a graduate degree in economics, finance, and data analytics have gone on to top schools, including Duke, American, Clark, Villanova, Vanderbilt, California-Davis, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and University of Miami, as well as UNC-Greensboro’s highly regarded terminal economics master’s program.
Related Programs
Research Your Interests and Hone Your Skills in UNC Asheville’s Economics Major
Our Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree program allows you to connect with contemporary issues as you develop your skills in meaningful, impactful research opportunities. Supportive faculty, scholarship opportunities, and student clubs and organizations enrich your educational experience and prepare you to excel in your future endeavors.
Contact Us
| Economics Department |
| Phone: (828) 251-6550 |
| Email: eherzog@unca.edu |
