Why study economics?
The field of economics is most simply defined as the study of how people choose to use resources. Resources include not only the time and talent people have available, but also the land and other natural resources, buildings, equipment, and other tools, and the knowledge of how to combine them to create useful products and services. Microeconomics involves the behavior of individuals, and macroeconomics focuses on the collective behavior of businesses and industries, governments and countries, and the globe as a whole.
Economics is considered a social science and is a foundation in the liberal arts curriculum. The study of economics is a key element in understanding business, government and policy-making, health administration, environment and resource management, international trade, third-world development and much more. Because Economics graduates have a varied skill set in communication and team work, political awareness, mathematics and computing, research, and analysis and problem solving, they are employed in a range of jobs which may or may not be directly related to the discipline they studied. They work in manufacturing, transportation, communications, banking, insurance, investment and retailing, law, and a variety of non-profit or government positions.
Academic Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics,
- a group concentration* in the social sciences, and
- a group concentration* involving economics and mathematics.
You may also enter the Teacher Education Program to teach economics at the high school level.
*Group concentrations must form a coherent, planned program approved by your advisor.