Major in Economics (BA)
Economists study how individuals, firms and countries make difficult choices about how to use scarce resources to achieve their goals – be it individual welfare, firm profits, or national well being.
These choices are evaluated under a small set of powerful concepts: rationality, efficiency, equity, and stability. Economists model real-world situations, use deductive reasoning to arrive at the model's implications, and test the conclusions of the model empirically using statistical and analytical techniques. The undergraduate curriculum in economics at AUN is designed to:
- provide a solid foundation in modern economic theory;
- assist students in applying these theoretical perspectives to issues of economic efficiency, growth, globalization, equity and social justice, wealth and poverty, individual freedom, discrimination, cultural values, and the physical and biological environment;
- illuminate the interaction of the subject with related fields such as political science and finance, among others;
- encourage critical and independent thought about economic policies and programs in an ever changing world order;
- develop the capacity to do quantitative analysis and research using statistical and mathematical techniques;
- provide the students with a deep understanding of the evolution of economic, political and financial systems over time.
An undergraduate major in economics opens many possibilities for employment. These options include employment in:
- financial institutions
- businesses and corporations
- local, state, and federal governments
- financial consulting firms
- non-profit and non-government organizations
In addition, there is potential for graduates to conduct post-graduate study and research. Students of economics are trained in economic theory and empirical techniques, as well as in the application of economics to such fields as business, political science, and law. Therefore, they are well suited to pursue graduate education in economics or other subjects, both locally and abroad. Future employment possibilities for students entering graduate school include teaching and research in colleges and universities, as well as senior positions in industry and government.
To talk to a faculty adviser, please contact Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Interim Associate Dean of School of Arts & Sciences at Rm 212 A&S Building or [email protected].
The Economics major is comprised of 39 credits hours (13 courses). All students pursuing the BA degree in Economics must complete the following six (6) courses:
ECO 201: Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECO 202: Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 301: Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECO 302: Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 341: Introduction to Econometrics (3)
ECO 490: Seminar in Economics (3)
At least two (2) of the following courses:
ECO 303: Development Economics (3)
ECO 322: Money and Banking (3)
ECO323: International Economics and Trade (3)
ECO 441: Introduction to Mathematical Economics (3)
The following writing course:
WRI 321: Preparation of Written and Oral Reports (3)
At least four (4) courses in Economics (ECO) 300 level or above:
Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to identify appropriate courses to satisfy this requirement.
In order to fulfill the prerequisites for the required courses, students majoring in economics are also required to complete the following two courses:
STA 101: Introduction to Statistics (3)
MAT 210: Calculus I (3) (formerly MAT 121)
Advised Electives
Students majoring in economics are advised, but not required, to complement their economics training by completing at least two (2) courses from one of the following lists depending on their interests:
Business
ACC 201 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
ACC 202 Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting
ENT 325 Social Entrepreneurship
PET 450 Petroleum Project Management and Economics
SEN 470 Engineering Economics
Development
ENT 326 Microfinance and Economic Development
CDV 392 Advanced Applied Community Development
ICP 135 Introduction to International Development
ICP 302 Politics of Development and Underdevelopment
Finance
FIN 201 Fundamentals of Financial Management
FIN 320 Financial Institutions and Markets
FIN 330 Security Analysis
Government and Politics
ICP 101: Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)
ICP 131: Introduction to International Relations (3)
ICP 161: Introduction to Political Theory (3)
Students interested in post-graduate work in economics are strongly advised to take as many of the following as possible:
ECO 342 Quantitative Methods in Economics
ECO 441 Introduction to Mathematical Economics
MAT 211 Calculus II
MAT 310 Calculus III
MAT 312 Linear Algebra
MAT 412 Differential Equations
STA 301 Probability and Statistics
STA 303 Non-Parametric Statistics
STA 304 Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
