Economics, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Member of the Division of Social Studies

Chair(s):

Janet Seiz (Fall)
Keith Brouhle (Spring)

Faculty:

Stellla Chan
William Ferguson
Bradley Graham
Raynard Kington
Mark Montgomery
Paul Munyon
Jack Mutti
Irene Powell
Brian Swart

Economics is the study of how society uses its scarce resources. The goal of the department is to promote an understanding of the economic aspects of society and to develop each student’s ability to reason about economic issues—that is, to provide a basis for intelligent, responsible participation in modern society.

The study of economics provides a background for careers in business and public service and a foundation for graduate study in economics, business, law, and public policy. The study of economics complements undergraduate or later graduate work in other social sciences or in history. ECN 111 introduces a student to the discipline. The courses numbered 205–250 consider important areas of applied economics at a level accessible to all students. The tools of economic analysis are systematically developed in intermediate theory courses (280, 282), which are recommended to all students who expect to make use of economics in their studies, careers, or avocations. Students should take one course numbered 205–250 before taking ECN 280 or ECN 282 ; students who have already taken ECN 280 and ECN 282 would not normally take courses numbered 205–250. Advanced analysis courses (those numbered 300–350) develop additional analytical capabilities, and seminar courses provide advanced applications of the discipline’s theoretical, empirical, and institutional insights.

A student majoring in economics will find available complementary work in history, other social sciences, and mathematics (including statistics and computer science). Students will be expected to access data and to use spreadsheet and statistical software to analyze economics issues. Off-campus study provides an excellent opportunity to observe and analyze how economic choices are made in other societies.

Major Requirements: A minimum of 8 four-credit economic courses.

Required are:

ECN 111 - Introduction to Economics 4 Credits
;
One of the following courses in empirical analysis:
- ECN 262 - Empirical Methods in Economics 4 Credits
  ,
- ECN 312 - Econometrics 4 Credits
  ,
- MAT 336 - Probability and Statistics II 4 Credits
  (MAT 336 does not count toward the minimum eight courses required in Economics);
ECN 280 - Microeconomic Analysis 4 Credits

and

ECN 282 - Macroeconomic Analysis 4 Credits
One economic tools course (numbered 300–350);
Two economic seminars; and
One history course above the 100-level from a list approved by the economics department, which does not count toward the eight-course minimum.

Honors

To be considered for honors in economics, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College’s general requirements for honors, must demonstrate to the department’s satisfaction that they have achieved depth and breadth in their course of study.