Economics provides an understanding of how economic systems function and offers insight into the nature of real-world economic events, issues and problems while teaching the student a way of thinking that is clear, logical, analytical and rigorous. The study of economics encompasses a wide range of human behavior and experiences. Therefore, it has come to be widely recognized as a solid preparation for many professional careers in business, finance, non-profit organizations, and government.

Courses in economics that emphasize the relevance of economic principles to areas in business, finance, quantitative and computer applications, public administration or industrial relations, provide the student with an excellent background for a variety of jobs and professions.

The study of economics also provides an excellent preparation for graduate study in such professional areas as law, industrial relations, business and public administration.

Economics majors have the opportunity to participate in Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society in Economics. Annually, the Maytum scholarship ($6,000 for 2003-04) and Hart-Gorman Economic Awards go to the outstanding majors and double majors in Economics.

Economics As Preparation For Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Most graduate schools of business prefer their students to have a broad, liberal arts background. Since economics is more closely related to business administration than many other liberal arts areas, it is an ideal preparation for study toward the Master of Business Administration degree. According to a study conducted by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), graduate business school professors stress economics as the most important undergraduate preparation.

Economics Major As Pre-Law Study
Most graduate schools of business prefer their students to have a broad, liberal arts background. Since economics is more closely related to business administration than many other liberal arts areas, it is an ideal preparation for study toward the Master of Business Administration degree. According to a study conducted by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), graduate business school professors stress economics as the most important undergraduate preparation.

Major, Minor in Economics and Certificate in International Economic Studies, and Specialization in Economic Studies for Social Studies Students in Adolescence Education.
The department offers a major in Economics (B.A. degree) with designed fields in Business and Financial Economics; Data Analysis and Computer Applications; and Public Policy and Economics. Alternatively, with consultation and approval of the faculty advisor, the student may develop his/her own field of specialization. Thirty-six credit hours of course work are required for a major in Economics. A minor, which requires 24 credit hours in Economics, is also available.

As an option to students majoring in Economics, the department issues a letter certifying the completion of International Economic Studies to those who complete 15 hours of designated course work.

Additionally, the economics department offers a specialization in Economic Studies to Social Studies-Adolescence Education students who wish to teach economics in high school.

Students who are contemplating graduate study in economics should consider taking the following courses as part of their specialization field:

The department strongly recommends that Economics majors take additional courses in accounting, computer science and calculus.