If you like math and data—and you want to use AI to predict economic outcomes and help people—you’ve found the perfect match. In this one-of-a-kind program, you’ll combine your interests in economics, AI and data science to work on real-world problems. (Simply put, “quantitative” economics means using models and data to understand and anticipate results). Now, imagine your future using AI to support business decisions, improve the impact of public schools or distribute food to communities in need. Sound like something you’d enjoy? Then put this major at the top of your list.
In this program, you’ll learn about the technical aspects of AI and how it’s transforming society, how to use AI tools to analyze economic data, and the best ways to share your insights. You’ll start by learning about the properties of data, different types of AI platforms (including their biases and ethical implications), and how AI tools can be built by society, for society. You’ll study macro and microeconomics, how AI affects economic policymaking, and econometrics (how to use data and statistics to find solutions). Finally, you’ll choose a series of economics electives based on your interests in finance, the environment, health or other topics—and take a capstone course where you bring together everything you’ve learned and apply it to address a specific problem.
As much as you’ll learn going to class, sometimes the most valuable lessons come through all the other things you can do at UB.
Internships and other hands-on experiences. Here, you’ll find computing competitions, experiential learning opportunities, and connections to internships (including Wall Street and one of the largest banks in the country).
Research. Work directly with a faculty expert at UB, which is an R1 (top-level) research university.
Study abroad. Ready for a life-changing experience? Consider spending a semester (or summer) abroad.
Student groups. Make friends and do what you love, or try something completely different. At UB, it’s your choice.
Whether you want to predict the stock market, improve the job market or lower prices at the supermarket, economics can be applied to nearly every aspect of our lives—which means it’s really up to you how you use your talents.
Policy, developing monetary guidelines, finding ways to lower poverty rates, or working on new regulations for equitable AI.
Finance and fintech (financial technology), implementing AI to improve fraud detection, minimize financial risk, or improve access to cryptocurrency and blockchains.
Environmental economics, modeling the cost of climate change or calculating the return on investment (ROI) for sustainability projects.
Business, using AI to create more accurate pricing models, predict consumer behavior and forecast product demand.
Graduate school, getting an advanced degree in economics, finance, machine learning or AI.
Your professors will mostly be experts in AI and geography, including geostatistics, environmental modeling, the global economy, regulation and trade, and other relevant topics.
They’ve published their work in leading journals (including the “Annals of the American Association of Geographers,” “Applied Geography” and “Theoretical Computer Science”), served as the principal scientists on projects of national importance, and presented at conferences throughout the world. Of course, they’re involved in professional organizations, including the American Association of Geographers, American Geophysical Union, Ecological Society of America and Association of Computing Machinery.
In and out of the classroom, our faculty have been widely recognized for their commitment to students. They’ve received numerous accolades, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the UB Teaching Innovation Award. So if you’re looking for a trusted mentor and someone who can help guide you along the way, welcome to UB.