Course Catalog

The curriculum of the Economics Department is designed to provide a comprehensive education in both theoretical and applied economics. The economics program seeks to provide a strong academic foundation for understanding the complexities of economic activity and decision making within both the private and public sectors and for understanding the relationship between the economy and society as a whole. It seeks to enable students to apply rigorous analysis to economic issues and problems through the use of market oriented theoretical models, quantitative techniques, and economic reasoning.

The study of economics, as part of the liberal arts and sciences approach to learning, helps students understand one of the most fundamental facets of human life in civil society — economic activity — and helps prepare them to effectively address the socioeconomic challenges and opportunities of contemporary public life. In addition to general economic theory and analysis, the special strengths of the Department include finance (private, public, and international), international trade, game theory, environmental economics, and experimental economics. In conjunction with the Center for Economic and Policy Education, the Department also seeks to provide exceptional educational experiences in the study of contemporary public policy and major issues in public life.

Through these approaches and by working closely with its students, the goal of the Department’s economics major is to help students achieve a strong academic background for successful graduate studies or professional employment. The Department of Economics awards both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The B.S. degree is designed for students intending to pursue graduate studies in economics, finance, or M.B.A programs with more demanding quantitative requirements. The B.A. is designed for students planning for immediate employment in business, government, or the nonprofit sector, as well as preparation for law school or other professional oriented graduate studies. For students interested in gaining a disciplined understanding of economics, courses in the department may be taken to satisfy the social science requirement of the College core.

The major’s capstone requirement is a senior thesis that incorporates original research efforts. The thesis is written in conjunction with EC 480 and is taken during the senior or junior year.

Departmental Activities

Students are encouraged to join the staff of Center for Political and Economic Thought, which sponsors various lecture series, conferences, and publications; the Economics Club; and Mock Trial Team. The Economics Department is the Delta Sigma branch of Omicron Delta Epsilon, which is the national honor society for outstanding economics students.

Requirements for B.A. degree in Economics
(43 credits):
(See Core Curriculum requirements.)

This program satisfies the mathematics and the social science core. After completing this major and the college core, you will have 34 credits for electives.

Requirements for B.S. degree in Economics (53 credits):
(See Core Curriculum requirements.)

Candidates for the B.S. degree who plan to pursue graduate work in economics, finance, or related disciplines are strongly encouraged to complete, at minimum, Calculus III, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra. Consult with a member of the departmental faculty for further assistance in planning course work. After completing this major and the college core, the economics major will have 24 credits for electives.

Requirements for the Minor in Economics
(18 credits):

Double major in Mathematics and Economics
For those students who will pursue upon graduation an advanced degree (masters or Ph.D. level) in finance or economics.

Requirements for B.S. degree in Mathematics and Economics
(85 credits in majors):
(See Core Curriculum requirements.)

This program satisfies the mathematics, natural science, and the social science requirements of the college core curriculum for the B.S. After completing this major and the college core, you will have 6 credits for electives.