Economists study how individuals, firms, and countries make difficult choices about how to use scarce resources to achieve their goals – be it individual welfare, firm profits, or national well-being.

These choices are evaluated under a small set of powerful concepts: rationality, efficiency, equity, and stability. Economists model real-world situations and use deductive reasoning to arrive at the model's implications, and test the conclusions of the model empirically using statistical and analytical techniques.

The undergraduate curriculum in economics at AUN is designed to:

• provide a solid foundation in modern economic theory
• assist students in applying these theoretical perspectives to issues of economic efficiency, growth, globalization, equity and social justice, wealth and poverty, individual freedom, discrimination, cultural values, and the physical and biological environment
• illuminate the interaction of the subject with related fields such as political science and finance, among others
• encourage critical and independent thought about economic policies and programs in an ever changing world order
• develop the capacity to do quantitative analysis and research using statistical and mathematical techniques and
• provide the students with a deep understanding of the evolution of economic, political and financial systems over time.

An undergraduate major in economics opens many possibilities for employment. These options include employment in:

• financial institutions
• businesses and corporations
• local, state, and federal governments
• financial consulting firms
• non-profit and non-government organizations

In addition, there is potential for graduates to conduct post-graduate study and research. Students of economics are trained in economic theory and empirical techniques, as well as in the application of economics to such fields as business, political science, and law. Therefore, they are well suited to pursue graduate education in economics or other subjects, both locally and abroad.

Future employment possibilities for students entering graduate school include teaching and research in colleges and universities, as well as senior positions in industry and government.