Economics
FACULTY
Chair and Associate Professor Ramos; Assistant Professors Kass and Soriano; Affiliate Assistant Professor Gebregziabher
About the Economics Department
Economics is the study of the principles that govern individual and social choice under conditions of scarcity. Modern economic theory seeks to explain how the market process coordinates production and distribution within the social division of labor. In addition to providing students with a thorough foundation in Microeconomic theory, Macroeconomic theory, monetary theory, quantitative economics, and the history of economic thought, the two Economics majors offered by the department also enable students to extend their studies into domestic policy, in courses such as Labor Economics and Health Economics, and international policy, in courses such as Economic Development, International Economics, and Comparative Economic Systems.
Major in Economics
The curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire a thorough grounding in economic theory; to understand the methods and insights of the economic way of thinking; to study classic works in economics; to understand how to undertake quantitative and qualitative economic analysis; and, to gain a specialized understanding of those aspects of contemporary economics that are of most interest to them.
Basic Requirements
B.A.: Economics 1311, 3312, 3320, 3327 or PSY 3326, 3328, 3340, 4325 and four additional upper level elective courses in Economics. Students may also count BUS 3310, BUS 3314 and ACCT 5323 towards this upper level electives requirement. It is strongly recommended that students complete the quantitative methods sequence (ECO 3327 or PSY 3326 and ECO 3328) no later than their Junior Year. Internships are strongly recommended. Depending on the program you wish to enter and your subfield of interest, students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Economics will find that a double major in Economics and Mathematics, Economics and Politics, or Economics and another field will be useful. Consult department faculty for advice concerning preparation for graduate studies in Economics.
B.S.: Math 1404, 1411; Economics 1311, 3312, 3320, 3327 or PSY 3326, 3328, 3340, 4325, 4328 and seven additional upper level elective courses in Economics. Students may also count BUS 3310, BUS 3314 and ACCT 5323 towards their upper level electives requirement. It is strongly recommended that students complete the math sequence (Math 1404 and 1411) by their sophomore year, and complete the quantitative methods sequence (ECO 3327 or PSY 3326 or MAT 2305 and ECO 3328) no later than their Junior Year.
Students must select at least one course from each of the following categories for at least two of their advanced electives:
1) International Policy (ECO 3330 International Economics, ECO 4335 Economic Development, ECO 4332 Comparative Economic Systems, relevant ECO 4356 Special Topics courses with permission of the chair)
2) Public Policy (ECO 4338 Public Finance, ECO 4336 Labor Economics, ECO 4334 Industrial Organization, relevant ECO 4356 Special Topics courses with permission of the chair)
Internships are strongly recommended. Students intending to pursue a PhD in Economics will find the B.S. degree or a double major in Economics and Mathematics to be desirable for their preparation. Consult department faculty for advice concerning preparation for graduate studies in Economics.
Comprehensive Examination
A required comprehensive examination is given in the last semester of the students' senior year. The exam consists of two mandatory sections given over separate exam periods. Students must pass each section in order to qualify for graduation. Students who fail either or both of the parts of the examination are given an opportunity to retake the failed section(s) before the deadline to meet their graduation requirements before the last week of classes.
Degrees in Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Course Information
Courses in Economics