Welcome to UMBC's Department of Economics

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:29:59 -0400

A Welcome Message from the Chair

"Economics is a powerful discipline that equips us with the tools to better understand the world around us.“

Welcome to the Department of Economics at UMBC. Economics is a powerful discipline that equips us with the tools to better understand the world around us. It helps us analyze how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions, and how these choices shape markets, societies, and global outcomes. From questions of inflation, employment and growth to issues of inequality, globalization, and innovation, Economics provides a framework for tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

At UMBC, our department is dedicated to both excellence in teaching and cutting-edge research. We offer an undergraduate BA degree in Economics, a BS in Financial Economics, and a Certificate in Accounting. At the graduate level, our Master’s in Economic Policy Analysis (ECPA) program prepares students with strong analytical training to meet the growing demand for policy-relevant expertise.

Our faculty are active scholars and dedicated teachers, engaged in fields ranging from labor economics, health economics, macroeconomics, and policy evaluation to sports economics, innovation, and international trade. We are committed to mentoring students, not only in the classroom, but also through research opportunities, advising, and career preparation. The department also hosts an active seminar series and conferences that bring together scholars from around the world, enriching our academic community.

Whether you are a prospective student exploring our programs, a current student seeking advising resources, or a visitor interested in our research and events, we invite you to learn more about what we do. We are proud of our mission to prepare the next generation of economists and policy leaders who can think critically, analyze rigorously, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Welcome to UMBC Economics. We look forward to working with you as you discover the insights and opportunities that the study of Economics has to offer.

Thank you,

Salem Abo-Zaid

Professor and Chair

UMBC Department of Economics