Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Economics is the study of the factors determining our material living standards. It involves analysis of human values and behavior, the operations of public and private institutions, the limitations of technology and natural resources, and the legal-political framework within which all are required to operate. The Department of Economics and Finance’s Bachelor of Arts program combines a solid foundation in contemporary economic theory with the opportunity to analyze a wide range of issues important to the material well-being of society. The emphasis on applying carefully reasoned analysis to questions of personal choice and public policy makes this program a valuable preparation for careers in education, law, research or administration, as well as employment in business, government or international agencies. Economics is an excellent major for individuals interested in leveraging their diverse interests in a way valued by the market place and is personally rewarding. As a social science, economics offers students a broad and consistent set of tools useful for grappling with critical problems facing the private sector and society-at-large. Such tools, and the problem-solving skills needed to wield them, are scarce and valued by organizations. Because their skills are useful in all sectors of the economy, students holding a degree in economics face placement opportunities not often afforded by more narrowly defined majors. Recent job placements testify to the importance of such skills. Graduates have found positions in banking and finance (MBNA America Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank), at companies as diverse as Perdue Farms and Intel, and in government (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, U. S. Department of Defense, and the EPA). For a more complete placement history please speak with any of the faculty in the department. Economics is one of the most wide ranging and influential modern academic disciplines. Methods developed by economists serve as foundations for core areas of fields as diverse as Management, Finance, Political Science, Sociology, Environmental Sciences, the Law, and Statistics. If these fields seem interesting then you should consider a major or double major in economics.