Program Overview

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Economics, Sustainability and Society Program Overview

The Economics, Sustainability and Society (ECOS) program at Xavier University empowers students to address complex global issues, from climate change and inequality to ethical business practices. This innovative program goes beyond traditional economics, integrating crucial perspectives on sustainability and societal impact.

Program Curriculum

The ECOS program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable economies, including the study of natural resources, ecological and environmental problems, and social justice questions related to the distribution of economic products and resources.

First Year

• Fall:
  • ECON 200: Microeconomics (Soc. Science Elec.) - 3cr.
  • Core 100: First-Year Seminar: environmental topic preferred - 3cr.
  • Historical Perspective: environmental topic preferred - 3cr.
  • English 101 or 115: English Composition or Rhetoric - 3cr.
  • Second language I - 3cr.
  • Core 101: Freshman Experience - 0cr.
• Spring:
  • ECON 201: Macroeconomics (recommended for ECOS) - 3cr.
  • THEO 111: Ignatian Imagination - 3cr.
  • Scientific Perspectives: BIOL 120 Life: Ecology and People (2), w/Lab (1)--or other BIOL w/Lab preferred - 3cr.
  • MATH 140 or 150: Elements of Calculus or MATH 170 (Mathematical Perspectives) - 3cr.
  • Second language II - 3cr.
  • Core 102: Freshman Experience - 0cr.

Sophomore

• Fall:
  • ECON 320: Environmental, Natural Resource & Ecological Economics - 3cr.
  • SUST 301: Cultural Studies & Sustainability - 3cr.
  • BIOL 250 Ecology (3) & 251 Lab (1) (preferred Natural Science Elective) - 4cr.
  • STAT 210: Statistics for Business I - 3cr.
  • PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy - 3cr.
• Spring:
  • ECOS Elective I -- select from approved courses* - 3cr.
  • MGMT 322: Managing for Sustainability - 3cr.
  • STAT 211: Statistics for Business II** - 3cr.
  • PHIL 200 (Philosophical Perspectives) - 3cr.
  • General Elective - Practicum or Internship preferred - 3cr.

Junior

• Fall:
  • ECON 341: Economics of Developing Countries - 3cr.
  • ECON 305: Microeconomics Analysis - 3cr.
  • ECON Elective II -- Select from approved courses* - 3cr.
  • General Elective or Minor - 3cr.
  • Humanities Elective: environmental or justice topic preferred - 3cr.
• Spring:
  • ECON 421: Environment, Economics & Policy - 3cr.
  • SUST 401: Sustainable Econ Development - 3cr.
  • English 205: Literature & Moral Imagination: environmental or justice topic preferred - 3cr.
  • General Elective or Minor - 3cr.
  • General Elective: Practicum or Internship Preferred - 3cr.

Senior

• Fall:
  • SUST 495 Capstone Elective: Experiential Integrative Project - 2cr.
  • ECOS Elective III - select from approved courses* - 3cr.
  • Theological Perspectives: environmental or justice topic preferred - 3cr.
  • Creative Elective - 3cr.
  • General Electives or Minor - 3cr.
• Spring:
  • SUST 495 Capstone: Experiential Integrative Project - 1cr.
  • Environmental Policy Seminar -- 345/POSC 344 or other approved course - 3cr.
  • General Elective - Practicum or Internship preferred - 3cr.
  • General Elective or Minor - 3cr.

Program Outcomes

98% of Xavier students, including those in the economics, sustainability and society major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).

Exciting Career Opportunities

• Sustainability Analyst
• Agricultural Researcher
• Urban Forestry Survey Technician
• Education Specialist
• Laboratory Technician

Recent Employers of Graduates

• Connected Cities Integrators, Inc.
• Great Parks of Hamilton County
• Davey Resource Group
• Cornell AgriTech
• U.S. Army
• Monroe County Environmental Health Department
• Urban Servant Corps
• Crossroad Health Center
• Indianapolis Zoo
• Visionworks of America
• Boy Scouts of America

Sample Courses

Cultural Studies & Sustainability (SUST 301)

Drawing on sociology, literary criticism, history and postcolonialism studies, students will examine the relation between sustainability and theories of culture as a site of resistance and negotiation where different groups compete for recognition, representation and power.

Managing For Sustainability (MGMT 322)

This course provides an overview of the issues faced by business managers related to the topic of Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: economic vitality, environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

Environment, Economics & Policy (ECON 421)

This course examines concepts and models concerning economics and the environment, with applications to policy questions.

Natural Resource Economics (ECON 320)

Economic analysis of managing the environment and allocating natural resources.

Clubs

Xavier Student Sustainability

Students in this club actively promote environmental initiatives on Xavier's campus and in the surrounding communities.

Economics Association

Xavier students in the Economics Student Club learn about employment opportunities, take trips to area firms and host speakers while making a positive difference in the community.

Business Leaders for Tomorrow

Members of this student organization explore business processes firsthand by networking with and learning from various business leaders in Cincinnati and beyond.

Related Programs

Related Majors

• BS in Biology
• BA in Economics
• BSBA in Economics
• BS in Environmental Science
• BA in Political Science
• BS in Teaching Integrated Science

Related Minors

• Business
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Environmental Studies
• Human Centered Making
• Innovation
• Peace and Justice Studies
• Political Communication
• Political Economy
• Political Science
• Political Thought
• Public History
• Sociology
• Spirituality and Solidarity

Related Graduate Programs

• Master of Business Administration

Program Features

Develop Essential Research Skills

Gain the skills to solve real-world economic challenges through research experiences.

Building a Sustainable Campus

Xavier University actively champions sustainability through multiple campus-wide initiatives.

Education for the Greater Good

The ECOS curriculum is infused with principles of economic and ecological justice, fostering a commitment to sustainable practices that benefit all.

Located in a City of Opportunity

Our longstanding relationships with community organizations provide students with multiple out-of-classroom opportunities to learn from professionals in the field.

Justice in Action

Alternative Breaks provide students with opportunities to engage in community service and social justice projects.

FAQ

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Economics, Sustainability and Society Major?

• Sustainability Consulting
• Government and Public Policy
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

What Skills Do Economics, Sustainability and Society Majors Gain?

A degree in economics, sustainability, and society equips students with a diverse range of skills, including:

• Economic modeling
• Economic theory
• Environmental awareness
• Sustainable development
• Social analysis
• Stakeholder engagement
• Ethical decision-making

Does Xavier Offer an Honors Program for Economics, Sustainability and Society Majors?

Yes, the University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree.