Economics has been taught at Presidency University (PU) since 2023. The Department of Economics offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs to equip students with the analytical tools and theoretical understanding of modern economics. These include the Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Economics and the Master of Social Science (MSS) in Economics, catering to the academic and professional aspirations of students interested in economic analysis, public policy, development, and quantitative research. The BSS in Economics program has been carefully designed to address contemporary social and economic challenges. Its curriculum aligns with the credit and course structures of top-ranking public and private universities in Bangladesh—including the University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University, North South University, East West University, and BRAC University—as well as leading North American institutions. Following international frameworks such as ISCO-08, ISCED, BAC, and BNQF, the curriculum integrates a wide range of core and elective courses. Core areas include microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, development economics, public finance, and research methods. The program also offers specialized courses in environmental economics, labor economics, agricultural economics, industrial economics, international economics, health economics, urban economics, and more. A strong emphasis is placed on quantitative proficiency, data analysis, and the application of theory to real-world economic problems. The MSS in Economics program is designed to provide advanced academic and applied training in economics. It prepares students for academic careers and leadership roles in research organizations, development agencies, financial institutions, think tanks, and government bodies. The curriculum promotes higher-order analytical thinking and includes advanced courses in macroeconomics, monetary economics, project evaluation, research methodology, and contemporary issues in economic policy. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research and complete a thesis under the supervision of faculty members. Beyond academic excellence, the Department of Economics is committed to developing ethical, socially responsible, and globally aware individuals. To complement classroom learning, the department has launched the Economics Society, which hosts a vibrant set of student-led clubs to foster co-curricular and extracurricular development: These clubs are essential for cultivating leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and a sense of community—skills that are vital for professional success. Since its inception, the department has actively organized seminars, policy dialogues, workshops, and academic conferences, inviting prominent economists, researchers, and policymakers to share insights with students and faculty. It maintains strong ties with the Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and other professional bodies, helping students stay connected with current economic issues and policy developments. Faculty and students frequently publish research and participate in national and international academic events, contributing to the university’s growing research profile. The department also supports its students through scholarships, stipends, and teaching assistantships for those with strong academic records. Students regularly collaborate with faculty on research and fieldwork, including data collection and policy analysis. The Department of Economics is led by a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members, many of whom hold degrees from prestigious local and international institutions, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the University of Sydney (Australia), Université Paris-Saclay (France), the University of Dhaka (DU), and Jahangirnagar University (JU). Faculty members are deeply involved in both teaching and research and provide personalized academic and career counselling to help students reach their full potential. The Department is committed to producing graduates who are not only analytically competent but also socially responsible, ethical, and capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global economic development. The Department of Economics has been offering the Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Economics program since 2023. This is a four-year undergraduate program consisting of 132 credits. The curriculum has been revised over the years to align with the evolving demands of the job market, global academic standards, and national development priorities. The BSS program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, policy evaluation, and applied research. It includes core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, development economics, and public finance, as well as specialized courses such as environmental economics, labor economics, health economics, industrial economics, and international economics. The program promotes interdisciplinary learning by integrating concepts from sociology, political science, and data science, helping students become well-rounded professionals with practical and analytical capabilities. Applicants must have completed 12 years of formal education. The following qualifications are acceptable: The MSS in Economics is a graduate-level program designed to build advanced knowledge and applied research skills in economics. It caters to students aiming for academic careers, research positions, and leadership roles in the public and private sectors, development organizations, think tanks, and financial institutions. The program offers three different credit-based pathways depending on students’ prior qualifications and professional experience: The MSS curriculum is composed of four categories of courses: core, specialized, research methodology, and thesis. Core and advanced courses focus on macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematical economics, econometrics, monetary economics, development economics, project evaluation, and contemporary economic issues. A strong emphasis is placed on applied econometrics and quantitative research. A compulsory thesis is required for all students in the program, allowing them to engage in independent research under faculty supervision. This not only deepens their understanding of economic issues but also equips them with the skills to contribute to academic and policy-related research. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or second division. The following categories are eligible for admission: Applicants from categories 2 and 3 may be required to take additional preparatory or foundational courses as recommended by the Admission Committee based on their academic background and needs. To earn an MSS in Economics degree, students must complete a minimum of 36 credits, including a compulsory thesis. The total credit requirement will vary depending on the student’s prior academic qualifications and professional background (36, 48, or 60 credits). Graduates of both the BSS in Economics and MSS in Economics programs are equipped with the analytical, quantitative, and research skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of professional fields in both Bangladesh and abroad. The department’s emphasis on theoretical grounding, empirical application, and interdisciplinary integration makes Economics graduates highly competitive in diverse job markets. Graduates can pursue careers as lecturers, researchers, and academic coordinators in universities, colleges, and think tanks. With advanced degrees, they are well-prepared for academic roles both nationally and internationally. Many also go on to pursue MPhil, PhD, or professional degrees in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, and related fields. Research organizations and policy institutes such as BIDS, PRI, SANEM, CPD, and UN agencies regularly employ trained economists for policy analysis and economic forecasting. The Department of Economics provides students with strong preparation for roles in public policy, planning, and governance. Graduates are highly suitable for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and other competitive public sector exams. They can work in ministries, planning commissions, economic zones, regulatory authorities, and government agencies involved in fiscal planning, budgeting, and development strategy. Economics graduates are in high demand in commercial banks, central banking (Bangladesh Bank), insurance companies, stock markets, and multinational corporations (MNCs). Roles include financial analyst, credit officer, risk analyst, business development officer, and more. Their training in econometrics, finance, and quantitative analysis enables them to thrive in data-driven roles such as investment analysis, portfolio management, and economic consulting. Graduates often work with international NGOs, development partners, and donor agencies such as UNDP, World Bank, ADB, BRAC, Save the Children, and others. Roles include project officer, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialist, development researcher, and policy advisor. Their background in development economics, project evaluation, and public finance gives them a competitive edge in these sectors. With increasing global demand for data-informed decision-making, Economics graduates from PU are well-prepared for careers in data analytics, impact assessment, policy consulting, and business intelligence. Graduates frequently pursue opportunities abroad in academic institutions, research centers, multinational organizations, and international civil service. Strong quantitative and communication skills, along with exposure to international standards (ISCO, BNQF, etc.), make them adaptable to global markets and graduate studies abroad. With strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, many graduates choose entrepreneurial paths—founding startups, research firms, and consultancy services. They also work independently as freelance researchers, financial consultants, and content developers in economic media and education platforms. Economics graduates are equally capable of contributing to digital finance, fintech, and policy-focused startups.
Programs Offering
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (BSS) IN ECONOMICS (132 CREDITS)
Admission Requirements for BSS in Economics Program
MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (MSS) IN ECONOMICS (36, 48, OR 60 CREDITS)
Admission Requirements for MSS in Economics Program
Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete the Program
Career Prospects of Economics Graduates from the Department of Economics at Presidency University
