Informed Choices. Better Outcomes.

Economics Department

Perry Singleton teaching in front of a whiteboard

The Economics Department is dedicated to teaching and research that helps business professionals and policymakers analyze resources and identify the most effective course of action.

Economics is a uniquely powerful analytic framework for making sense of society—particularly the trends, patterns and choices made in times of uncertainty. Our program emphasizes the application of economics to the study of societal issues such as international trade, health care and taxation.

With more than 30 faculty members at the Maxwell School, the department offers highly ranked B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. and combined programs. Research is rooted in applied microeconomics—using theoretical tools and data-driven analysis of specialized markets to explain or predict the outcomes.

 

15

research centers and institutes

#1

School for Public Affairs since 1995 U.S. News

35k

alumni worldwide leading the public good across sectors

A student wears a virtual reality headset in front of a screen

Virtual Reality, Real Insight

Students in Andrew Jonelis’ Economics of Emerging Markets course used virtual reality to get an up-close view of markets thousands of miles away.

Read more about their experience

Undergraduate Studies

Under the guidance of distinguished faculty, students develop the quantitative skills to think critically about the relationships between resources, incentives and behaviors that inform the decision-making process. Along with one-on-one advising and a breadth of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, economics majors graduate with a portfolio of methods, problem-solving techniques and practical experience that is highly valued by employers.

Graduate Studies

While there are separate tracks toward the M.A. and the Ph.D., both esteemed graduate degree programs focus on applied and policy-related economics. Emphasizing a strong foundation of theory, statistical and econometric methods, students develop advanced understanding of market functions and hone analytical skills that are in high demand across a wide range of fields.

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Go Further With a Dual Master's Degree in International Relations

Customize your M.A. in economics with a joint M.A. in international relations. Earn two degrees in just two years.

Explore Urban Economics

Our faculty comprises one of the strongest and most active research groups in the areas of urban, regional and real estate economics. Our focus and depth allows us to offer two semester-long Ph.D. courses in urban economics and related areas augmented by a third upper level undergraduate course in real estate economics that many of our Ph.D. students audit.

What can you do with an economics degree?

Visit the American Economic Association careers page
A amiling person with long dark hair wearing glasses, a red top and a patterned scarf.

New RAISE Program Expands Student Opportunities in Economics

Spearheaded by Kristy Buzard, the effort seeks to broaden interest in the field of economics, especially among first-generation students and those from low-income households.
A person with short hair, wearing glasses and a blue button down shirt.

Badi Baltagi Named 2025 Great Arab Minds Award Laureate in Economics

Often described as the “Arab Nobel,” the award honors exceptional Arab scholars, scientists and thinkers whose work advances knowledge and benefits humanity.
John Cawley

Renowned Health Economist Joins Maxwell as Moynihan Chair

John Cawley specializes in the economics of risky health behaviors and has been widely published in journals and covered by the media.
Two headshots side by side: on the left, a person with short gray hair wearing a dark suit jacket and blue striped tie, smiling; on the right, a person with long blonde hair wearing a beige turtleneck and blazer, smiling.

Are the Kids Alright? Maxwell Expert Panel Examines Youth Mental Health

The public event in Washington, D.C., capped a day-long gathering that included conversations on research findings and meeting with lawmakers.
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Maxwell Hosts Conference Focused on International Trade

The two-day event drew scholars from across the U.S. as well as Canada and England.

Economics in Action

See All News

Keep up with the department's latest stories, announcements and signature events.

Media Coverage
Alexander Rothenberg

Feb 20, 2026

Rothenberg Speaks With VoxDev About His Research on Special Economic Zones in Indonesia

Economic Policy, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Taxation

School News
Kristy Buzard

Feb 13, 2026

New RAISE Program Expands Student Opportunities in Economics

Student Experience

School News
A panel discussion setup with two individuals seated on chairs in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen displaying a slide titled "Are The Kids Alright? Mental Health and Risky Behaviors."

Feb 10, 2026

Are the Kids Alright? Maxwell Expert Panel Examines Youth Mental Health

Children, Adolescents, Mental Health, United States

Media Coverage
Ryan Monarch

Jan 16, 2026

Monarch Speaks to Newsweek About the DOJ's Criminal Investigation Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

Economic Policy, Federal, United States


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Economics Department
110 Eggers Hall
economics@syr.edu
315.443.3843