Economics and Finance 

Degrees Awarded

BA - 3 Years

BA (Honours) - 4 Years

Programme overview

The Economics and Finance major offers an integrated undergraduate education in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and financial decision-making. The programme equips students with a rigorous understanding of how markets, institutions, and policies shape economic outcomes, while developing practical skills in financial analysis, valuation, and risk management. Drawing on areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, corporate finance, financial markets, and public policy, the major emphasises analytical reasoning, data-driven thinking, and ethical judgement.

Aligned with a liberal arts philosophy, the programme encourages students to connect economic and financial concepts to real-world challenges such as growth and inequality, sustainability, financial stability, and development. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, empirical methods, case studies, and applied projects, students learn to interpret data, evaluate policy and business decisions, and communicate insights effectively.

What makes

Economics & Finance at Krea Unique

The Economics and Finance major at Krea stands out for its integrated approach, combining economic theory with financial analysis to provide a holistic understanding of markets and decision-making. Grounded in a liberal arts framework, the programme enables students to examine economic and financial issues within broader social, institutional, and policy contexts.

The emphasis on both theoretical and applied learning, through empirical methods, case-based approaches, and project work, ensures that students develop the ability to analyse data, assess complex problems, and generate well-reasoned insights. This integrated training prepares graduates for diverse careers in finance, consulting, policy, research, development, and analytics, as well as for advanced study in economics, finance, management, public policy, and related fields.. 

Programme Structure

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Economics and Finance major, students will be able to:

  • Apply core Economic principles – Demonstrate a strong understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, and apply these frameworks to analyse individual behaviour, markets, institutions, and the broader economy.
  • Analyse financial systems and decisions – Understand the functioning of financial markets and institutions, and apply key concepts in corporate finance, investments, and risk management to evaluate financial decisions.
  • Use quantitative and empirical methods – Employ mathematical, statistical, and econometric tools to analyse economic and financial data, test hypotheses, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
  • Integrate Economics and Finance perspectives – Combine economic reasoning with financial analysis to assess business strategies, public policies, and economic outcomes in domestic and global contexts.
  • Evaluate policy and ethical implications – Critically assess the economic and financial impacts of public policy, regulation, and institutional design, with attention to ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.
  • Communicate analytical insights effectively – Present economic and financial arguments clearly and persuasively in written, graphical, and oral forms for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills – Approach complex, real-world problems with analytical rigour, creativity, and independence, using interdisciplinary perspectives where appropriate.
  • Prepare for professional and academic pathways – Demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills required for careers in finance, economics, analytics, consulting, and public service, or for graduate study in related disciplines.

Assessment Methods

To help students develop a wide range of competencies, the Economics and Finance programme’s assessments employ multiple formats, including:

  • Problem sets to build technical competence in quantitative methods and economic modelling
  • Research projects that require students to formulate questions, design empirical strategies, analyse data, and defend conclusions
  • Essays and case analyses to develop the ability to construct rigorous arguments and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world situation
  • Fieldwork (where applicable) to connect classroom concepts to economic realities
  • Presentations to build the capacity to explain complex ideas clearly to varied audiences

Students in the 4-year programme also undertake a capstone research project. This requires them to work closely with a faculty advisor to produce original analysis on a topic of their choosing, synthesising the analytical, empirical, and communication skills developed throughout the curriculum.

Graduation Requirements

Economics and Finance graduation requirements for the 3-year and 4-year degree programmes:

Credits needed to earn a Single Major in Economics and Finance
3-Year Programme 60
4-Year Programme 80

The Economics and Finance programme is offered as a combined major, with no separate minor or concentration.

The Economics and Finance graduation requirements for the 3-year and 4-year degree programmes:

Single Major
Required Courses Electives
3-Year Programme 60 0
4-Year Programme 68 12*

*Includes capstone credits

While 80 and 60 credits are minimum credits that need to be taken to meet the graduation requirements, additional courses in either of the disciplines can be taken beyond the minimum graduation requirements.

Career and Study Opportunities

Graduates of the Economics and Finance major at Krea develop strong analytical, quantitative, and conceptual skills required for careers across finance, consulting, policy, research, development, and analytics, taking on roles in both private and public sector organisations. The programme also prepares students for higher studies.

Partnerships

Krea University has partnerships with leading universities in India and abroad that offer students pathways for higher education and research. These collaborations create opportunities for postgraduate study, academic exchange, and continued learning across disciplines. Know more

Higher Education Pathways: MBA, Master’s in Economics, Finance, Business Analytics, Data Science, Public Policy, Management, and related fields, as well as professional and academic pathways in India and abroad.

Job Roles: Economic Analyst, Policy Analyst, Financial Analyst, Data Analyst, Research Associate, Consultant, Development Sector Professional, and more.

Faculty

Professor Lakshmi Kumar

Professor, Economics and Dean – IFMR Graduate School of Business

Dr Jyoti Prasad Mukhopadhyay

Associate Professor, Economics and Chairperson – PhD Programme

Professor Madhuri Saripalle

Professor, Economics and Chairperson – MBA Programme

Dr Soumya Pal

Assistant Professor, Economics

Dr Sumit Mishra

Assistant Professor, Economics

Dr Suresh G

Assistant Professor of Economics

Dr Ankur Paliwal

Assistant Professor, Finance

Dr Arnab Biswas

Assistant Professor, Finance, Accounting and Quantitative Finance

Professor K V Easwaran

Professor of Practice of Finance

Praveen Bhagawan

Assistant Professor

Dr Jyoti Kumari

Assistant Professor, Finance, Accounting and Quantitative Finance

Dr Sesha Sai Ram Meka

Assistant Professor, Finance, Accounting & Quantitative Finance

Dr Tapan Kar

Assistant Professor, Finance

Professor Srinivasan Kalyanasundaram

Professor of Practice, Finance

Dr Vinod Kumar

Associate Professor, Finance, Accounting and Quantitative Finance

Dr Vijaya C

Assistant Professor, Finance

Krishnan C

Adjunct Professor of Finance & Banking, Krea University

Dr Lakshman Varanasi

Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Professor Guha Dharmarajan

Professor, Biology

Dr Kalyan Chakrabarti

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Dr Shivani Jadeja

Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Dr Vaishali Sharma

Scientific Officer – Bio-Sciences

Dr Shyam Kumar Sudhakar

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Dr Yadugiri Tiruvaimozhi

Assistant Professor, Biology