Welcome to the Economics Department!
Economics is a social science concerned with the study of how society organizes the production and distribution of goods and services. There is practically no dimension of human activity that remains unaffected by economic forces. This makes economics central to our lives as informed, articulate, and responsible citizens.
Economics helps us understand the fundamental workings of the society, and how to effectively address social problems. Economic theory is often applied to the analysis of public and private sector problems, and in formulating a range of policies to address them. Among the areas where economics has been fruitfully applied are: international trade; taxation and economic behavior; distribution of income and poverty; discrimination; law; labor relations; healthcare; agriculture; insurance; finance; and business.
The economics program at New Paltz prepares students for careers in private and public sectors. It also prepares students for graduate studies in economics, business, law, and international relations. The curriculum has a pluralistic approach to teaching economic theory with a strong applied component. It emphasizes quantitative and research methods, writing, and effective communications.
Economics has been shown to be one of the most appropriate fields to prepare students for graduate work in business and law. A large percentage of students admitted to the leading graduate programs in business administration (MBA), and law schools have undergraduate degrees in economics. It has also been shown that economics majors consistently score highest in the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Economists enjoy rewarding careers in government, international organizations, foreign service, nonprofit sector, non-governmental organizations, business, financial and banking sectors, education, consulting, and research.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, is an excellent source of information on careers. It reports that employment of economists continue to grow and they encounter favorable job prospects. The Job Outlook Report, published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, reports that economics graduates also enjoy high starting salaries. For more information about Economics visit American Economic Association's undergraduate Economics web site.
Simin Mozayeni- recipient of the Chancellor Award for Faculty Service
Photo: During the Convocation Ceremony, 23 August 2019, Dr. Simin Mozayeni was rewarded the Chancellor Award for Excellence for Faculty Service 2018-2019.
Professor Simin Mozayeni (Economics) Receives Two Awards
On May 11th, Dr. Mozayeni received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York City. This made her a member of the Ellis Island Honor Society, which celebrates the achievements of outstanding immigrants. This medal embodies the spirit of America, celebrating diversity, tolerance and service. Past recipients of the medal include a diverse group of honorees, including six US presidents, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Senator McCain, Secretary of State/Senator Hillary Clinton, Rosa Parks, and celebrities in academic and industrial leaders, among others. The complete list of past medalists can be found on www.ELHonors.org.
Chancellor Johnson informed Dr. Mozayeni in a letter, dated April 26th 2019, of her selection as a recipient of the Chancellor Award for Faculty Service for the 2018-2019 academic year. The highlights of Dr. Mozayeni’s service to our institution include chairing the Economics Department for more than six years, serving as Presiding Officer of the College Faculty for nearly five years and chairing the Organization Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee. The Chancellor’s letter mentioned her demonstrated record of “sustained superior service to a wide range of diverse constituents.” The award underscores the respect and esteem of her colleagues, students, and campus leadership for her professional accomplishments.
