Studying Economics at CAS: Maximizing Flexibility and Finding Your Passion

One thing that surprised me the most was the opportunity to explore diverse topics within the field. Even students with the same Economics major can have completely different focuses and pathways. There are six required courses—introductory and intermediate microeconomics, introductory and intermediate macroeconomics, and two quantitative courses (statistics and econometrics). Beyond these, we have the freedom to choose any area we want to explore further.

Most Economics students, myself included, follow a typical path: starting with introductory courses, progressing to intermediate micro- and macroeconomics and 200-level electives, and ending up taking econometrics and 300-level courses focused on more specialized topics.

Starting with the 200-level electives, we can choose two out of four courses, each focused on various areas of economics. As an international student from China, I’ve been especially eager to understand global dynamics and the formation of trade policies. Taking “International Economics” gave me comprehensive insights into international trade systems and the economic interdependence of nations. At the same time, Meanwhile, “Foundations of Finance” at the Stern School of Business is also accepted as an elective, which helped me build a solid understanding of key financial models and developed an analytical mindset.

After two to three years of exploring broader interests, advanced 300-level courses offer more flexibility to narrow our focus and continue pursuing our passions. There are at least ten courses offered on various topics each semester, catering to every concentration. Many economics students aim for careers in investment banking, so they take finance-focused courses like “Risk & Fluctuations in Financial Markets” and “Monetary & Banking Theory.” One of my friends, however, is a researcher and chose courses like “Economic Research” and “Experimental Economics” to master research methods and develop essential skills.

Personally, to further pursue my passion for strategic consulting, I took “Industrial Organization” last semester to explore how firms behave in different market structures, make pricing decisions, and respond to competition.

Being an Economics major feels like building your own adventure game, where everyone is the protagonist of their own story—you get to explore, switch gears, and eventually find what truly resonates with you. For me, I’m still following the twists and turns, and loving the ride!

A fun fact! Economics is offered as a major at both the CAS and the Stern School of Business at NYU. Although the programs share the same name, there are definitely some key differences between them!

1. The Economics program at CAS confers a Bachelor of Arts degree, while Stern offers a Bachelor of Science.
2. At CAS, the focus is more on economic theory and models—students gain a broader understanding of how the economy and markets function. However, Stern’s program is often described as more practical and applied, associating with a lot of case analyses and studies.
3. Both programs offer two distinct tracks. At CAS, students choose between the policy track, which emphasizes real-world application, and the theory track, which focuses on the technical tools of economic analysis. At Stern, students choose from Business Economics or Econometrics & Quantitative Economics.
4. Since the programs are housed in different schools, their core curriculums are different. CAS students follow a liberal arts core with four foundational pillars, while Stern students follow a business-focused curriculum.

To my fellow future economists: never hesitate to step into this unknown but exciting journey, staying curious and keeping exploring! With a wide range of courses and opportunities, each one can open a new door.

Academically, check the course listings on the department website, talk to your academic advisor, and ask upperclassmen about the classes they found interesting. Don’t be afraid to try something unexpected—some of my favorite classes weren’t the ones I thought I would enjoy, but they ended up sparking my curiosity in the best way.

Meanwhile, seek help from the resources around you! If you’re unsure about your career path, as many of us are at first, visit the Wasserman Center. One of the counselors once told me that economics majors often thrive in consulting, which gave me the direction I needed. Additionally, take the initiative to connect with your professors and teaching assistants—they are some of the best resources available, and they would love to chat with you!

At the end, I wish you the best of luck in your Economics journey at NYU. When you look back after four years, you’ll be proud of how far you’ve come—just like I am now. 

Welcome to NYU, and enjoy the ride!