Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Economics is a unique program that bridges the gap between economics, business, science, and technology. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory and analytical techniques, taking advantage of the mathematical and quantitative abilities of students.

Program Description

The economy is becoming increasingly global and dependent on advanced technology. In such a world, private companies and public organizations need leaders and managers who understand economics and business, as well as science and technology. The Bachelor of Science in Economics program is grounded in mathematics, engineering, and the sciences, and graduates technologically literate economists with quantitative economics and business skills that give them a competitive advantage in today's economy.

Career Options

Economics majors have a range of career options following their undergraduate studies. Some pursue graduate degrees in economics, business, or law. Others begin careers as managers, economic advisors, and financial officers in business or government, often in organizations that deal with engineering, applied science, and advanced technology.

Faculty

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Professor Roderick G. Eggert, Viola Vestal Coulter Professor, Deputy Director, Critical Materials Institute
• Associate Professors:
  • Jared C. Carbone
  • Michael B. Heeley
  • Ian Lange
• Assistant Professors:
  • Tulay Flamand
  • Ben Gilbert
  • Steven M. Smith
• Teaching Professors:
  • Scott Houser, Interim Department Head
  • Becky Lafrancois
• Teaching Associate Professors:
  • Andrew Pederson
  • Sid Saleh
• Professor of Practice:
  • David Culbreth
  • Patrick Leach
  • Paul Zink
• Professors Emeriti:
  • Carol A. Dahl
  • John E. Tilton
  • Graham Davis
  • Franklin J. Stermole
  • Michael R. Walls

Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the undergraduate program in economics and business are:

• To provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory and analytical techniques, taking advantage of the mathematical and quantitative abilities of students
• To prepare students for the workforce, especially in organizations in areas of traditional strength (engineering, applied science, mathematics, and computer science), and for graduate school, especially in economics, business, and law

Curriculum

All economics majors take forty-five percent of their courses in math, science, and engineering, including the same core required of all undergraduate students. Students take another forty percent of their courses in economics and business. The remaining fifteen percent of the coursework can come from any field. Many students complete minor programs in a technical field, such as computer science, engineering, geology, or environmental science. A number of students pursue double majors.

Degree Requirements

To complete the economics major, students must take 45 hours of 300 and 400-level economics and business courses. Of these, 18 hours must be at the 400 level. At least 30 of the required 45 hours must be taken in residence in the home department. For students participating in an approved foreign study program, up to 19 hours of the 30 hours in residence requirement may be taken abroad.

Course Requirements

The following courses are required for the Bachelor of Science in Economics degree:

• Freshman:
  • Fall:
    • DIST SCI Distributed Science* (4.0)
    • MATH 111 Calculus for Scientists and Engineers I (4.0)
    • CHGN 121 Principles of Chemistry I (3.0-4.0)
    • CSM 101 Freshman Success Seminar (0.5)
    • EDNS 151 Design I (3.0)
    • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE (0.5)
  • Spring:
    • PHGN 100 Physics I - Mechanics (4.5)
    • MATH 112 Calculus for Scientists and Engineers II (4.0)
    • CSCI 101 Introduction to Computer Science (3.0)
    • HASS 100 Nature and Human Values (4.0)
    • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE (0.5)
• Sophomore:
  • Fall:
    • EBGN 201 Principles of Economics (3.0)
    • MATH 213 Calculus for Scientists and Engineers III (4.0)
    • HASS 200 Global Studies (3.0)
    • FREE Free Elective (3.0)
    • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE (0.5)
  • Spring:
    • EBGN 301 Intermediate Microeconomics (3.0)
    • MATH 201 Probability and Statistics for Engineers (3.0)
    • MATH 225 Differential Equations (3.0)
    • FREE Free Elective (3.0)
    • EBGN EBGN Elective I** (3.0)
    • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE (0.5)
• Junior:
  • Fall:
    • EBGN 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3.0)
    • EBGN 425 Business Analytics (3.0)
    • EBGN EBGN Elective II** (3.0)
    • ELECTIVE HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE (H&SS;) Mid-Level Restricted Elective (3.0)
    • FREE Free Elective (3.0)
  • Spring:
    • EBGN 303 Econometrics (3.0)
    • EBGN 321 Engineering Economics (3.0)
    • EBGN 409 Mathematical Economics** (3.0) or EBGN Elective III**
    • ELECTIVE HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE (H&SS;) Mid-Level Restricted Elective (3.0)
    • FREE Free Elective (3.0)
• Senior:
  • Fall:
    • EBGN 401 Advanced Topics in Economics (3.0)
    • EBGN 455 Linear Programming** (3.0) or EBGN Elective III**
    • ELECTIVE HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE (H&SS;) 400-Level Restricted Elective (3.0)
    • EBGN EBGN Elective IV** (3.0)
    • FREE Free Elective (3.0)
  • Spring:
    • EBGN EBGN Elective V** (3.0)
    • EBGN EBGN Elective VI** (3.0)
    • EBGN EBGN Elective VII** (3.0)
    • FREE Free Electives (3.0)
    • FREE Free Electives (3.0)

Distributed Science Requirements

Students in all degree options (majors) are required to complete a minimum of three out of five courses from the list of Distributed Science Requirements. For Economics Majors, students must take CSCI 101 and MATH 201 and one of the following: CBEN 110, GEGN 101, PHGN 200, CHGN 122, or CHGN 125.

Elective Requirements

At least 2 EBGN elective courses must be at the 400-level or above. Students must take either EBGN 409 or EBGN 455.

Major GPA

The following list details the courses that are included in the GPA for this degree: EBGN 100 through EBGN 599 inclusive.