There are two different undergraduate degrees in the College of the Liberal Arts that a student may earn in economics at Penn State. A bachelor of arts (ECLBA) or a bachelor of science degree (ECLBS) in economics. A minor in economics is open to students enrolled in any college. The department offers a program of mentoring for students who want to pursue graduate education in economics (CARE). A departmental honors program provides a small group of outstanding students an opportunity for independent research and close contact with faculty and fellow students.
Penn State now offers a two-year program designated only for the M.A. degree in economics. The program provides rigorous training in econometrics and quantitative economics as well as in economic theory. It is ideal for those who pursue high level professional careers in industry and government, or further study for the Ph.D. degree
With leading researchers in economic theory, econometrics, international economics, and macroeconomics, the Economics Department at Penn State is an outstanding department. Students who receive a Ph.D. from Penn State and whose doctoral research is excellent have been recruited and sought after by leading academic and research institutions: our Ph.D. students have obtained tenure-track positions at Chicago, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, UPenn and many more.
Muhammad Nazaruddin bin Mohd Salleh, a senior majoring in economics in Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, has received the 2025 Ardeth and Norman Frisbey International Student Award for undergraduates.