The Economics Department offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Our learning outcomes reflect the important role Economic courses play in the education of Central students, in particular our courses in the Study Area II of the General Education program courses. For that reason, the Economics Department has identified two (2) General Education Objectives for their Intro (Econ 200 and Econ 201) courses:
Why Economics?
Anyone who intends to pursue a career in business, law, politics, public administration, finance, and the like, will benefit from courses in Economics. An Economics major or concentrate (minor) is particularly useful for those pursuing an MBA degree.
All students should take at least one course in Economics to acquire the knowledge necessary to function as responsible citizens. If, on the other hand, you have not decided upon your future career objectives, you might give serious consideration to an Economics major or concentrate. Majors in Economics acquire the breadth of liberal arts study plus the analytical and quantitative skills of economic theory. Some of the classes employ computerized applications of economic theory.
As a consequence, Economics majors are in demand by employers in need of individuals who can be trained easily to perform specific tasks.
Employment Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, predicts the job market for economists will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Many job openings are likely to result from the need to replace experienced workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the field.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(U.S. Department of Labor), median annual wage and salary earnings of economists were $72,780 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,650 and $96,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,170.
Undergraduate Program
A major in Economics requires 30 credits in Economics. In addition, all students are required to take courses in statistics and applied calculus, as well as one course in logic or in the use of computers. A concentration in Economics requires 18-credits. Economics majors also may specialize in Operations Research, a highly quantitative approach to decision-making in business, industry, and government.
Course Offerings
The Department of Economics offers the following wide variety of specialized courses which can be applied toward the major or concentrate:
- Contemporary Economic Issues
- Econometrics
- Economic Development
- Economic Forecasting
- Environmental Economics
- Government and Business
- History of Economic Thought
- Industrial Organization
- International Economics
- Labor Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Managerial Economics
- Mathematical Economics
- Microeconomics
- Money, Credit and Banking
- Political Economy
- Public Finance
- Urban & Regional Economics