Economics is a vital part of the curriculum at the Colorado School of Mines. It may seem surprising that economics matters at a university focused on engineering; however, economists and engineers care about many of the same questions. What is the best way to solve a problem? How can we do things more efficiently? How can we optimize the way we make and distribute goods and services?

Students at Mines have a number of options for integrating economics into their studies. These options range from a single required core course, Principles of Economics, to a BS degree in Economics. Students may take more economics and businesses classes as electives, pursue a minor in economics and business or add an economics degree to their degree in engineering, mathematics or applied science.

We offer classes on the economics of energy, environment and natural resources to help all Mines students understand the business and regulatory context of these markets. We also offer a B.S. in Economics with a Specialization in Energy and Environmental Economics for students who want to maximize their knowledge and skills in these critical areas.

We also offer other undergraduate courses that provide important tools and topics tailored for engineering students:? engineering economics, optimization modeling and the economics of technology.

Why study at Mines?

As you might expect from an economics program at an engineering school, the B.S. in economics at Mines is unique. Most economics degrees at other universities are awarded as a Bachelor of Arts and are based on either a strong liberal arts or business component.

Our Bachelor of Science degree is grounded in mathematics, engineering and the sciences. Many private companies and public organizations need leaders and managers who understand not only economics and business, but also science and technology. We graduate technologically literate economists with quantitative economics and business skills that give them a competitive advantage in today?s economy.

The three main distinctives of the Mines economics degree are:

A strong focus on energy and environmental economics;

Mathematical rigor that builds on the Mines math and science core; and

A focus on developing practical tools for applying economics to real problems.

The Colorado School of Mines is focused on three key areas:

• Earth
• Energy
• Environment

The Mines B.S. in Economics emphasizes these same key areas. Economics faculty also teach in our world-renowned graduate program in Mineral and Energy Economics, and we are able to leverage their expertise in our undergraduate classes. Within the economics degree, we offer an optional specialization in Energy and Environmental Economics for students who want an explicit focus on these important topics.