Economics - VCU Business - Virginia Commonwealth University

Our programs

B.S. in economics
- Explore the impact of economic decision-making on the markets and economy.
Accelerated B.S. to M.A. in economics
- Earn a B.S. and M.A. in economics in as little as five years.
M.A. in economics
- Advance your knowledge through applied economic analysis.
Economics minor
- Differentiate yourself in the job market, prepare for graduate training in law or business, and increase your versatility with your employer. Must earn at least 18 credits in economics to qualify for this minor.

Networking & Research

VCU Economics Students and Alumni Group: Network with your peers.

Student Managed Investment Portfolio: Gain real-world investment experience through management of an equity portfolio for the School of Business Foundation.

Richmond Association for Business Economics: Join local business leaders for lunch and a speaker. A great networking opportunity!

Student Economics Association: Socialize and network with your peers while gaining valuable insight into future career opportunities.

Experimental Laboratory for Economics and Business Research: Work with faculty to conduct computer-mediated experiments.

VCU Center for Economic Education: Provides K-12 students with the economic knowledge and financial skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond: Learn about local economic conditions and opportunities.

American Economic Association: See what issues economists nationwide are researching.

ECONOMICS SEMINAR SERIES: FALL 2024

Join us for a wonderful lineup of seminar speakers this semester. Please contact Daniel Stephenson stephensod@vcu.edu if you are interested in attending or with any questions.
Seminars marked with an asterisk* will be held in person, while those without an asterisk will be conducted online via Zoom.

9/6, 12:00 p.m., Cesar Martinelli*, George Mason University
9/20, 3:00 p.m., Timothy Shields, Chapman University
9/27, 12:00 p.m., Yongseok Shin*, Washington University in St. Louis
10/11, 12:00 p.m., Sara Avila*, University of Colorado
11/1, TBD, Shakun Mago*, University of Richmond
11/4 12:00 p.m., Effrosyni Adamopoulou*, Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim
11/15, 10:15 a.m., Evan Starr*, University of Maryland (RABE/VAE)
11/22, TBD, Youngsoo Jang*, University of Queensland

STUDENT DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Student of the Year: The Student of the Year Award is presented to a senior or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership.

Distinguished Service Award: The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a student who has provided distinguished service to the department, university and community.

Student of the Year - School of Business: Nathan Thomas

Nathan Thomas Nathan is an exceptional student! He is currently in the Economics Accelerated M.A. program, which means that he is completing graduate economics courses during his senior year in the undergraduate program. Despite the added challenge, he has skillfully upheld a flawless 4.0 GPA! He is also working as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Herrington, who praises his capabilities and contributions. Additionally, Nathan is a member of the VCU Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP), and has participated in the Federal Reserve Challenge team, placing first in the 2023 Altria Analytics Competition.

Student of the Year - College of Humanities & Science: Mattias Varjun

Mattias Varjun Mattias is an outstanding student and athlete at VCU. He has managed to achieve an impressive GPA along with strong performances for the VCU golf team. His unwavering commitment and exemplary scholarly performance have garnered widespread admiration from faculty members across a spectrum of courses, who unanimously consider him a brilliant student. Mattias has also been named an All-American Scholar by the Golf Coaches Association of America. After graduation, he aspires to be a top 50 golfer in the world.

Distinguished Service Award: James Melton

James Melton James has played many important roles in serving the Department of Economics and VCU. He is currently the teaching assistant for Principles of Macroeconomics, one of our largest courses, and has been a member of the Federal Reserve Challenge team at VCU. He also works at the Campus Learning Center as a tutor for mathematics and economics. Additionally, he is the president of the Student Economic Association, which organizes several events, networking sessions and tutoring services. After graduation, he hopes to become a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

VCU Business School, Student of the Year: Lily Buysse

Lily combines an outstanding GPA with extraordinary service to VCU, and both faculty and students sing her praises. She was a member of the VCU Fed Challenge Team, is the current president of the Student Economics Association and was previously their communications director. She is also serving the economics department as a teaching assistant for macroeconomic theory and has worked as a tutor for the Office of Student-Athlete Support Services. Lily is currently doing an internship at RCG, a local accounting firm, and is planning on doing the master's program in economics at VCU.

Distinguished Service Award: Sarah Cuba

A dual major in Music and Economics, Sarah has a strong academic record and an exemplary history of service to VCU. She has participated in the VCU Fed Challenge Team and is now the vice president of the Student Economics Association. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a music service organization, and was a group leader with InterVarsity, a non-denominational Christian student ministry. Sarah is applying for the accelerated master's program in economics and plans to pursue a career related to data analysis.

Student of the Year: Dorian Philpot

Dorian has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, with an excellent GPA overall, as well as in her extensive economics coursework. In 2021, she was selected for the Timothy R. Sizemore Endowed Scholarship in Economics, as well as an externship with the Economic Policy Institute. Dorian has also served as a teaching assistant for Principles of Microeconomics. She plans to pursue graduate school in public policy in preparation for a career in social and financial policy.

Distinguished Service Award: Kai Amado

Kai demonstrates excellence in the classroom and beyond. She has provided valuable service to the Department of Economics as a teaching assistant in Principles of Microeconomics, a grader for Managerial Economics, and a volunteer at VCU School of Business open houses. Kai has served the university as Vice President of HR and Recruitment and Sector Lead for VCU's Student Managed Investment Portfolio. She plans to continue those positions, in addition to being elected as President of the Student Economics Association for the upcoming academic year. Kai plans to pursue graduate school in Economics and a career in public policy and government.

Student of the Year: Niranjana Harikrishnan

Niranjana Harikrishnan

A double major in Economics and Political Science, Niranjana has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and beyond. She combines an outstanding GPA with extraordinary service to VCU and the community. Niranjana was a member of the VCU Fed Challenge Team, is President of Heroes at VCU and UNICEF at VCU, and senior advisor for the H&S Leadership Council. She has served the community as an intern for US Senator Tim Kaine and the Virginia Council on Women and Virginia Asian Advisory Board through the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and won the Department of Economics H&S Distinguished Service Award in 2020.

Distinguished Service Award: Michael Portillo

Michael has a strong academic record and an exemplary history of service to the VCU and Richmond communities. He has served the Department of Economics as a teaching assistant and research assistant. Michael has also served as VP of the VCU Student Economics Association and helped re-charter the VCU chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon National Economics Honors Society. He has served the community with the Ampersand Pantry Project, providing necessities to the Richmond communities heavily impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, he has volunteered with undocumented students in Richmond’s ESL classrooms. After graduation, Michael will begin his career with the US State Department.

Student of the Year: Jonathan C. Campbell

Jonathan is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA. His active engagement in the classroom demonstrates a keen interest and understanding of Economics and improves the learning environment for fellow students as well as instructors. Moreover, he has provided excellent service to the Department of Economics at VCU as a teaching assistant for Macroeconomic Theory, including tutoring fellow students outside the classroom.

Gathering news and events. One moment.