Economics

Every technical decision carries economic consequences, from how projects are financed to how technologies move from innovation to market. An Economics minor from Colorado School of Mines helps you understand the forces shaping business strategy, public policy and global markets, giving you practical, data-driven insight that complements a technical bachelor’s degree.

This minor gives you tools to evaluate tradeoffs, assess risk and think critically about incentives and outcomes. You learn how markets work, why costs matter and how economic reasoning supports better decision-making in industry, government and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re interested in project economics, policy analysis or business strategy, an Economics minor adds context and credibility to your technical expertise. It signals that you can think beyond equations and designs and understand the broader systems that determine whether ideas succeed in the real world.

Program Overview

The Economics minor introduces Mines students to the principles of economics, covering topics such as microeconomics and macroeconomics. It provides a foundational understanding of economic theory, market dynamics, and policy analysis, complementing their primary major and offering insights into economic decision-making in various contexts.

Because Mines is a premier engineering and applied science university, the Economics minor is designed with technical students in mind. You develop quantitative reasoning, clear communication and strategic thinking skills that strengthen your bachelor’s degree without pulling you away from your core discipline. When you graduate, you are prepared to connect technical solutions with financial realities and societal needs.

Program Options

Offered through the Division of Economics and Business, the minor requires 18 credits including three required courses and an additional four economics and business credits.