Economics is one of the most flexible, far-reaching degrees you can earn in the field of business. At Touro’s Lander College of Arts and Sciences (LAS), the economics major gives you a strong analytical foundation and a deep understanding of what drives behavior and decision-making for individuals and businesses. This major is a great fit for students who are curious about the systems that power our economy and how policy, prices, and resources shape the way we live and work.
Why Choose Economics at LAS
Touro LAS economics students are curious, analytical thinkers who care about big questions and how business, policy, and society connect. Whether you’re fascinated by markets or passionate about public policy, this major gives you tools to think critically and make an impact.
For some, economics is a launchpad to graduate study or law school. For others, it’s a faster, more flexible way to build a meaningful career in business, government, or the nonprofit world. That’s because economics is one of the most efficient business majors by requiring fewer credits than most but without compromising on depth.
You’ll sharpen your reasoning skills through a curriculum that helps you model behavior, weigh trade-offs, and evaluate outcomes. The economics major at Touro LAS is built for motivated students who need flexibility, and many courses are offered as directed study.
“Economics gave me the tools to think logically and argue persuasively. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed it until I started applying the concepts to real-world events. The faculty really challenged me to think bigger.”
- Brian Kutner (BA Economics, ’25)
Meet Your Professors
At LAS, economics comes to life thanks to faculty like Dr. Morris Yarmish, who holds a master’s in economics and a PhD in computer science. He grew up in NYC and, in addition to his advanced academic degrees, he spent time in yeshiva. Most of his academic career has been at Touro. Dr. Yarmish blends real-world know-how with a deep curiosity for how things work, and students love his clarity, warmth, and steady support.
Course Spotlight: Intermediate Microeconomics
What drives the choices consumers and businesses make? How do we model rationality, risk, and scarcity in a meaningful way? Intermediate Microeconomics explores how economic agents operate in the real world. Here's what you'll explore:
- Consumer behavior through topics like indifference curves, elasticity, cognitive bias, and decision-making under uncertainty
- Producer theory, including cost structures, different market conditions, and strategic decision-making using game theory and oligopoly models
- Real-world case studies that illustrate how economists approach challenges in business and public policy
This course is often a turning point for students interested in policy, law, or advanced economics, because it builds the analytical fluency and modeling skills needed for graduate-level work.
Student Brian Kutner credits courses like Intermediate Micro with giving him “the mindset of a strategist” and adds that studying economics also helped him become a better communicator." You learn to ask smart questions and explain your reasoning," he said, "which are skills that apply way beyond the classroom."
“Teaching is more satisfying to me than any other kind of work. You’re not just putting in hours — you’re helping students build something real.”
- Dr. Morris Yarmish
More About the Major
Like all business students at LAS, economics majors start with the business core, which is a set of foundational courses in accounting, finance, business law, and computer applications. These courses will help you build essential skills, explore different fields, and prepare for more advanced work.
Then, you'll take additional credits in advanced economics — including Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Corporate Finance, and International Trade — culminating in a capstone course.
Economics majors graduate with the reasoning skills, strategic mindset, and academic credentials to go in many directions. Some of the paths our graduates take include:
- Management Consulting Analyst: Helping businesses solve operational or strategic problems
- Operations/Strategy Analyst: Evaluating internal efficiency, forecast market trends, or pricing strategies.
- Product Analyst/Tech Business Analyst: Supporting product or user behavior analysis for software companies
- Policy Analyst: Researching and proposing policies related to the economy, education, healthcare, and beyond
- Economic Research Assistant: Helping economists with reports and data at think tanks, central banks, or government agencies
- Financial Analyst: Analyzing market trends, building financial models, advising on investments at banks, hedge funds, or insurance companies
“Most students haven’t been exposed to economics before college. That’s why the intro courses matter so much — they open a door.”
- Dr. Morris Yarmish
Economics Pathways at Touro
Some students go on to earn graduate degrees in economics, public policy, or business. Although less common, these programs are a natural next step for those who enjoy economic theory and want to deepen their expertise.
Economics is also a popular major for students planning to pursue law school. With its emphasis on reasoning, policy analysis, and big-picture thinking, it provides an excellent foundation for the legal field. Touro graduates have gone on to top-tier law schools, including NYU, Harvard, Columbia, and Penn. If you’re considering this path, you’ll also benefit from pre-law advising and application support from our faculty and the university’s dedicated Pre-Law Department.
What to Expect at LAS
If you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, you’ll get flexibility, support, and a faculty team that believes in your potential at Touro. Here’s what sets us apart:
A Motivated Community
You’ll be surrounded by students who are focused, values-driven, and committed to making the same kind of impact you are.
Faculty Who Care
Our professors understand the pressures you’re balancing and will support you while challenging you to excel.
Career Prep
With dedicated support from career services and faculty members, you’ll get help refining your resume, preparing for interviews, and launching your career.
Tuesdays at Touro
Attend weekly sessions with real-world experts to get insights and professional wisdom about topics like career planning, financial literacy, and more.
Explore What’s Possible with an Economics Degree
Make sense of the systems that shape our world. Apply to the economics major at Touro LAS and graduate with analytical fluency and career-ready skills.
