There is practically no dimension of human activity that remains unaffected by economic forces. As a field of study, economics is central to our lives as individual consumers and producers and more broadly as informed, articulate, and responsible members of a community. The Economics major provides students with an understanding of how societies are organized so as to provide for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Particular attention is given to the United States economy and its connections to the globalization of economic relations in the post World War II eras.

Students gain an understanding of such important economic topics as inflation and recession, money and banking; the relationship between government and business, international economics and trade; the economics of class, race, and gender; and a comparative analysis of other economic systems. Economics is a rigorous and intellectually demanding field of study combining practical knowledge with historical understanding, analytical techniques with philosophical inquiry, and economic theory with government and corporate policy. Diversity of opinion is emphasized through the study of different ideas and schools of thought. The major in the Anisfield School of Business provides important linkages to practical business techniques and knowledge.

Graduates may seek careers in banking, economics research, or a variety of entry-level positions in business and government.  They may also pursue graduate work in economics, business, and law. Those students interested in graduate work in Economics are strongly urged to take Calculus.

A group of economists, with expertise in a wide range of specializations within the discipline, comprise the full-time faculty in the economics program. Cooperative education and extracurricular activities are available to the program’s students. Each economics student is advised by a member of the program’s faculty.

Goal 1: Communication: Our students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication using appropriate current technology. 

Outcome 1: Students will deliver well prepared oral presentations. 

Outcome 2: Students will compose well written business documents. 

Goal 2: Ethics: Our students will consider the moral implications of business actions and processes, and propose ethically sound solutions.

Outcome 1: Students will detect ethical dilemmas and offer potential alternatives and solutions.

Goal 3: Foundation: Our students will have a broad-based knowledge in the functional areas of business. 

Outcome 1: Students will comprehend principles and practices in key business disciplines. 

Goal 4: Perspectives: Our students will consider diverse points of view and apply them towards issue resolution.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to identify and analyze different points of view when seeking to resolve business-related issues. 

Goal 5: Reasoning: Our students will be critical thinkers and decision makers able to use qualitative and quantitative methods. 

Outcome 1: Students will be able to identify and analyze problems and opportunities, generate alternatives, and recognize appropriate solutions. 

Goal 6: Comprehensive Knowledge in the Discipline:  Reasoning – Economics students will be able to apply existing economics knowledge and reasoning to real world issues.

Outcome 1: Economics students will be able to prepare an analysis of a current economic problem, assess the costs and benefits of potential outcomes and recommend an action.

Goal 7:  Specialized Knowledge in the Discipline

Outcome 1:  Our economics students will apply the specific knowledge gained in economics elective coursework in the analysis of current economics problems.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (two general education courses and participation in the ASB Business Writing Across the Curriculum (BWAC) program):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing and Studies in the Arts and Humanities; the rest of the Writing Intensive Requirement is met by participation in the ASB BWAC program.
4. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
5. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation.  Visit the Cahill Career Center/ASB Office.

ECONOMICS MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation, which includes ASB core requirements and upper level major requirements.

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the six courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

ECONOMICS MINOR

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
Anisfield School of Business Website
Faculty Profiles