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Economics

Economics

Economics


Faculty:

Chairperson:
Joseph Earley, Ph.D., Acting
Professors: James Devine, James Konow, Seid Zekavat
Associate Professors: Joseph E. Earley, Zaki Eusufzai, Robert Singleton, Renate Thimester
Assistant Professors: Andrew J. Healy, Dorothea K. Herreiner, Jennifer Pate

Objectives:

The study of economics illuminates both the limitations and successes of different systems of the production, distribution, and consumption of material wealth. Because of the economy's importance to the human condition, economic knowledge is useful to many other fields, such as political science, sociology, anthropology, law, and history. It, thus, is as central to a liberal arts education as it is to the business program.


The study of economics involves (1) the development of theories of economic behavior and their application to new problems; (2) the use of statistics and other evidence to test or add content to existing theories; (3) the development of perspective on economic institutions, economic history, and the development of economic philosophy. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research on all of these levels.

The goal of the program is to provide the student with the best preparation for employment in business, government, or secondary education, or for continuation to graduate studies in business, law, or economics, leading to careers in management, banking, finance, law, government, or academia.


Economics Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students should demonstrate a solid understanding of modern microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics, including the dominant theories of decision-making, markets, and the macro-economy;
  • Students should be able to think analytically using both the verbal and quantitative tools commonly employed in economics and to apply those tools to solve both theoretical as well as practical real world problems;
  • Students should appreciate the importance of economics in human endeavors and the value of rigorous economic training for evaluating social phenomena; they should understand the ethical concerns that underlie economic policy, including efficiency and equity.