Economics offers a coherent, logically ordered framework for assessing the tradeoffs involved in addressing social and business challenges. It promotes rigorous critical thinking and analytical skills that are broadly applicable and highly valued across numerous fields. Selecting an Area of Concentration (AOC) within economics allows you to customize your academic experience according to your interests, enhancing your career prospects in specialized areas of high demand while maintaining the versatile competencies that an economics education provides.
AOCs are an informal initiative adopted by the Economics Area within NYU Shanghai’s College of Arts and Sciences. Though they do not appear on official transcripts, students who complete an AOC will receive a separate certificate. AOCs are entirely voluntary. Once you declare an economics major, you may enroll in an AOC. Completing an AOC is optional, with no penalties if the requirements are not met. Graduating students who fulfill the AOC requirements will be awarded an AOC certificate.
To earn an AOC, students must complete four economics electives related to their chosen AOC. Among these, at least one must be an Advanced Elective taken at NYU Shanghai, and no more than one elective may be taken at other NYU sites. A list of NYU Shanghai courses that count toward each AOC is provided below. Students interested in taking an elective at another NYU site should discuss it with the relevant AOC coordinator to confirm its eligibility for AOC credit.
To enroll in an AOC, students can contact the AOC program via email ( Shanghai.econ.aoc@nyu.edu). It’s advisable to do this upon declaring an economics major to facilitate course planning. However, students may initiate AOC enrollment at any time during their studies, and any previously completed courses listed below will be credited toward the AOC. Students may pursue two AOCs if desired. In such cases, they should reach out to the AOC coordinators via email early to ensure all requirements can be met.
After initiating the process through the AOC email, students will be connected with an AOC coordinator.
The AOC coordinator serves in an advisory capacity, assisting students in course planning to meet AOC requirements. This guidance is non-binding; students will receive the AOC certificate upon meeting all requirements prior to graduation. However, for courses taken at other NYU sites, the AOC coordinator has the authority to determine if a course qualifies for AOC credit. It is recommended that students consult the coordinator about external courses before enrolling.
Additionally, the AOC coordinator supports students in defining their research and career interests, seeking out research assistantships, DURF projects, and other relevant opportunities. AOCs foster a community of shared interests, with coordinators facilitating peer collaboration on projects. Finally, coordinators may also provide guidance on career preparation for life beyond graduation.
AOC coordinator: Aleksandar Stojanovic as14902@nyu.edu
Undergraduate Coordinator: Weiwei Weng ww48@nyu.edu
