The Department of Economics offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics. The program provides instruction on economic institutions and a rigorous foundation in the analytical tools and applied areas of economics, relying on mathematical and statistical techniques. Students learn how the price system operates; how consumers, firms, and government institutions allocate scarce resources; and the determinants of national output, inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and international trade. Laws, regulations, and institutions that influence economic activity are also studied. After learning the basic tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics in the introductory courses, students go on to study various applied areas of economics in the more advanced courses.

The program provides a strong grounding for many careers in banking, insurance, service and manufacturing firms, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. It also gives an excellent background to students who intend to continue their education. In particular, it provides a solid preparation for law school, an MBA program, and graduate studies in economics, business, public administration, and public policy.

Distinction

Departmental Distinction may be awarded if the student meets the following criteria:

Distinction: 3.25/4.00 overall GPA and 3.25/4.00 economics GPA

High Distinction: 3.50/4.00 overall GPA and 3.50/4.00 economics GPA

Highest Distinction: 3.75/4.00 overall GPA and 3.75/4.00 economics GPA, and completion of an honors thesis via registration for one or two sections of ECON 399 under the supervision of a faculty advisor (a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 6 hours).