College of Business

The program and courses are designed to:

1. Help students think clearly and analytically about the U.S. economy in particular, and the global economy in general, within the context of socio-economic, cultural, and political institutional structures;
2. Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills that, combined with the theory and techniques of Economics, will give Economics majors the flexibility to perform in a variety of professions and careers; and
3. Prepare students to be actively involved in economic, social, and political issues of the day.

The program and major are designed to:

1. Prepare you for entry level positions in economics and business. Majors find careers in government departments, economic and market research, consulting, banking, finance, and other business;
2. Enable you to perform effectively in professional and career positions in management; and
3. Prepare you for graduate and professional study in economics or business.

All students in this program will receive a thorough grounding in:

1. Economics (the theoretical basis for the discipline);
2. Mathematics and statistics (the tool subjects);
3. The principles of accounting.
   

Why study economics at Benedictine?

When you choose to major in economics at Benedictine University, you will begin to be concerned with solutions to economic problems arising from the production and distribution of goods and services at the macroeconomics and microeconomics level. You will learn to compile, process and interpret economic and statistical data. You will also learn to interpret government policies and their influence on price and employment levels.

As an economics major, you will receive thorough exposure to economic principles and how to apply them to the national economy and the business world. In our program, you will receive the theoretical and practical economic training you need to successfully enter the business community, government service or graduate school.

You will have access to our library's collection of current government documents and statistical information conveniently available to use for your research needs.

What careers are available with an economics degree?

Most students pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics intend to continue with graduate studies in economics or business at some point in their careers. Business economists work in such fields/positions as:

• Consumer education
• Banking officer
• Stock broker
• Market analyst
• Labor union officer
• Business manager
• Statistician
• Insurance actuary
• Merchandising manager
• Real estate manager
• Government researcher

How does the program work?

As an economics major, you will acquire the broad base of knowledge, represented by the University's core courses taken by all students, which will prove valuable in your future career development and daily life as a citizen of your community. You will develop a knowledge of ethics and the closely-related social sciences important to your success: sociology, psychology and political science. You will acquire a thorough background in quantitative skills through courses in statistics, calculus and linear algebra or differential equations, plus other recommended math courses. You will thoroughly learn principles of accounting, how firms operate and make economic decisions, how the economic system works at the aggregate and microeconomic levels, and specialized economic topics such as public finance, money and financial markets and international trade and finance.

Lecturers

• Susan Hotopp, Ph.D.

Requirements - Major:

Economics majors must complete the University core requirements, and MATH-C210(4), 207(1) and are strongly encouraged to complete MATH-211(4), 212(4), and either MATH-260(4) or 300(3).

Economics majors must also complete, with a grade of "C" or better, ECON-C101(3), C102(3), 201(3), 202(3), 251(3); ACCT-111(3), 112(3); MGT-150(3); and five 300-level courses from ECON-306(3), 310(3), C320(3), 331(3), 340(3), 360(3), 370(3). Economics majors must also complete a senior paper in their last semester in residence, under the direction of their academic advisor.

CLEP, life experience, work experience, internships, advance placement and other external credit do not substitute for upper-level (300) courses.

Requirements - Minor:

Students seeking a minor in economics must complete with a grade of "C" or better 21 semester hours which must include ECON-C101(3), C102(3), 202(3), 310(3); MGT-150(3) and at least two 300-level courses in economics.