What Academic Programs Does the Rutgers Economics Department Offer?

Updated

The Rutgers Department of Economics, based in New Jersey Hall at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, offers a set of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning general economics, quantitative economics, certificates, and doctoral study. The department's own site lists these as: a Major in Economics, a Minor in Economics, a Minor in Quantitative Economics, certificates in Economics, a Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program, and a Masters of Economics.

Undergraduate Programs

The department lists three main undergraduate paths, each aimed at a different level of depth or quantitative focus.

Program What it is
Major in Economics The full undergraduate major in economics
Minor in Economics A secondary concentration for students majoring in another field
Minor in Quantitative Economics A minor oriented toward quantitative methods rather than the general economics minor

If you want economics as your primary field, the Major in Economics is the relevant entry point. If you want economics alongside another major, the two minors let you choose between a general and a more quantitative emphasis.

Certificates in Economics

The department also lists certificates in Economics. These sit alongside the majors and minors as an additional credential option, rather than replacing a degree program. The site does not detail certificate requirements on the page reviewed here, so treat the certificate as a distinct offering to confirm with an advisor.

Graduate Programs

Two graduate-level programs are listed:

  • Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program — the department's research doctorate.
  • Masters of Economics — a standalone master's program.

These are separate from the undergraduate offerings and are aimed at students pursuing graduate study in economics.

How to Decide Which Fits You

The choice depends mainly on whether economics is your main field and how much quantitative work you want:

  • Economics as your primary degree → Major in Economics.
  • Economics as a complement to another major, general focus → Minor in Economics.
  • Economics as a complement, stronger quantitative focus → Minor in Quantitative Economics.
  • An added credential rather than a degree → Certificates in Economics.
  • Graduate study → Masters of Economics or the Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program.

Getting Advice

The department explicitly invites prospective and current students to talk to its advisors: "Our advisors would love to chat with you!" Because the site does not publish detailed requirements, prerequisites, or application steps for each program on the page reviewed, an advisor conversation is the practical way to confirm which program matches your background and goals.