History - Economic History
The History: Economic History Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of economies, financial systems, and global trade networks. The curriculum integrates economic theory, history, quantitative analysis, research methodology, and policy studies, enabling students to analyze historical economic trends, evaluate the impact of economic policies, and interpret the evolution of financial institutions and markets. Students engage in archival research, applied projects, and analytical studies, cultivating critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential for professional or academic careers in economic history, finance, research, or public policy.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in economic history, historical research, and quantitative analysis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, applied analysis, and historical reasoning, preparing graduates to interpret economic patterns, evaluate policy decisions, and contribute to research or organizational initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, quantitative proficiency, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in economic history, economics, finance, or policy research.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History - Economic History
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Economics
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Economic History
- Introduction to Economic History and Global Economies
- Fundamentals of Economic Theory and Quantitative Analysis
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Historical Overview of Trade and Commerce
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Historical Economics
- Industrialization and Economic Transformation
- Financial Systems and Historical Policy Analysis
- Applied Research Projects in Economic Contexts
- Electives: Labor History, Global Trade, or Economic Sociology
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Comparative Economic Systems and Historical Case Studies
- Economic Policy Evaluation in Historical Context
- Applied Projects in Finance, Trade, or Policy Analysis
- Electives: Economic Development, Monetary History, or Business History
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Economic History
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Research Institutes, Financial Organizations, or Policy Agencies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Economic History program are prepared for careers in economic research, financial analysis, policy evaluation, historical consultancy, academia, and government agencies. Alumni may work as economic historians, financial analysts, policy advisors, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in economic history, economics, finance, or public policy. The program equips graduates to analyze historical economic trends, evaluate policy outcomes, and apply analytical skills to real-world challenges. With strong research, analytical, and quantitative skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on economic analysis, historical research, and applied policy studies.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of historical analysis, economic theory, quantitative research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, archival research, and applied projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in economics, finance, and policy. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to evaluate complex economic challenges, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about economic history, financial systems, and policy research, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
