Program Overview

Certificate in Economics

The Certificate in Economics is a specialized graduate certificate offered by the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Denver. This certificate provides students with a deeper understanding of economic theory, policy, and real-world application. Through a combination of foundational courses and customizable electives, students build graduate-level expertise in a core area, such as microeconomics or macroeconomics, while exploring the historical roots of today's economic frameworks and their modern alternatives.

Program Details

• Start Dates: Fall, Winter, or Spring
• Curriculum: 16 Credit Hours
• Program Length: 2 Quarters full-time or 4 Quarters part-time enrollment

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Certificate in Economics includes:

• Required Courses:
  • ECON 4050 - Origins of Modern Economics
  • ECON 4020 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory or ECON 4030 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory
• Elective Courses:
  • Students choose two graduate-level elective courses. Some popular courses include:
    • ECON 3480 - Money and Financial Markets
    • ECON 3590 - Urban Economics
    • ECON 3610 - International Trade Theory and Policy
    • ECON 3970 - Environmental Economics
    • ECON 3740 - Health Economics

Career Opportunities

This certificate prepares students for long-term success as economists in both the public and private sectors, including:

• Federal or state governments
• Finance
• Non-profit organizations

Admission Requirements

• All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
• A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.
• A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.
• An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master's degree or higher.

Program Benefits

The Certificate in Economics develops high-demand skills in economic analysis, forecasting, and critical thinking. It provides students with the technical and analytical tools to move forward with confidence, whether they are looking to strengthen their credentials for career advancement or planning to pursue a master's degree in Economics. The certificate allows students to build a strong foundation in economic theory, tailor their coursework to their career path, strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills, and stack credentials toward a master's degree.