Economics Honors Program
The Economics Honors Program is a two-semester, 6-credit sequence that allows outstanding students to conduct original economic research and complete a senior honors thesis.
The program consists of:
- ECON396: Independent Honors Study (Fall semester only)
- ECON397: Honors Thesis (Spring semester only)
Through the honors sequence, students develop advanced research, analytical, and writing skills by designing and completing an original research project under faculty supervision.
The program is particularly valuable for students who are interested in:
- Graduate study in economics, business, public policy, international relations, or related fields
- Careers that involve conducting economic research and analysis
- Strengthening their quantitative, writing, and critical-thinking skills
Outstanding theses may be considered for the Dudley and Louisa Dillard Award or the Sujon Guha Award for best honors thesis.
Eligibility Requirements
Admission to the Economics Honors Program is competitive. Before enrolling in ECON396, students must complete the following coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the following required courses.
BA Students
- ECON305 or ECON306
- One BA methods course:
- ECON402, ECON424, or ECON426
- At least one approved field course
BS Students
- ECON325 or ECON326
- ECON321 or STAT401
- At least one approved field course
Application Process
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
Students interested in applying should:
- Attend the Honors Program Information Session on March 4, 2026.
- Carefully review the information session materials and application guidelines.
- Submit the Honors Program application by the deadline.
For questions about eligibility, the application process, or the honors sequence, please contact Dr. Nolan Pope, Director of the Economics Honors Program.
Preparing for the Honors Sequence
Students accepted into the program should begin preparing for the honors thesis during the spring and summer before enrolling in ECON396.
Preparation should include:
- Identifying a research topic of interest
- Reviewing relevant economic literature
- Identifying a faculty advisor whose research interests align with the proposed topic
- Developing a feasible research question
Students are strongly encouraged to review the information session materials and application guidelines for suggestions on selecting a topic and advisor.
After reviewing these materials, students may npope [at] umd [dot] edu (contact Dr. Pope) with questions or to schedule an appointment for additional guidance.
Requirements to Graduate with Economics Honors
Students who are admitted to the Honors Program and complete the ECON396–ECON397 sequence will graduate with Honors in Economics if they earn a minimum GPA of 3.5 in both of the following groups of courses:
1. Honors Thesis Sequence
- ECON396
- ECON397
2. Methods and Field Courses
BS Students
- ECON321 or ECON422
- One approved 300- or 400-level ECON field course
BA Students
- ECON402, ECON424, or ECON426
- One approved 300- or 400-level ECON field course
Students must successfully complete and present their honors thesis as part of the ECON396–ECON397 sequence.
