A Wonder is the beginning of philosophy. It is not wonder, but rather the social enthusiasm which revolts from the sordidness of mean streets and the joylessness of withered lives, that is the beginning of economics. --A.C. Pigou
Economics has three main objectives: To explain how individuals make rational choices between the available alternatives under a wide range of circumstances; to understand the nature of social institutions, such as firms and markets, within which such choices are made; and to analyze how individuals and institutions interact to generate outcomes for society as a whole. The breadth of these aims means that economists need to employ modes of thought and techniques drawn from many other disciplines, among them history, political science, sociology, mathematics and statistics, and philosophy. The knowledge generated in studying economics is ultimately applied to the practical issues which arise in the formulation of economic and social policy, industrial and financial management, and many other spheres of life.
UAB offers both a B.A. degree in Economics through the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and a B.S. degree in Economics through the School of Business. Students majoring in economics through the School of Business have the choice of either an Economic Analysis and Policy concentration or a Quantitative Methods concentration.
The UAB School of Business's Economics faculty come from leading universities all over the country, and every faculty member holds the Ph.D. degree. The Department of Economics has a true commitment of excellence in teaching. Several Economics faculty members have been named among the top 10 instructors in the University, and some members have participated in the UAB Honors Program.
Research activities also meet high standards. Our faculty have numerous publications in important academic and professional journals. They have also consulted for private industry, completed extensive research in their fields and taught in foreign countries.