Economics Careers

In a world without scarcity, economics as a field of study would be unnecessary. The most challenging task of economics is the study of how to best use resources in the satisfaction of human wants.  Today, more than ever, the problems agitating society are predominantly economic. The problems of inequality, discrimination, pollution, energy, growth and stagnation are heavily economic, as are their solutions.  Whether as intelligent citizens or as professional economists, we need the perspective and analysis of economics to understand and eal with the realities of life in the 21st century.

With appropriate preparation, particularly in the areas of economic theory, the career opportunities for  economists are diverse.  Economists are employed in government, financial institutions, business firms, labor organizations, and as researchers and teachers.  One of the most dynamic career areas for economists has been in business, in which economists are involved in planning and forecasting, production  and market analysis, pricing, and government policy analysis.  While a variety of employment opportunities are available to the university graduate, the person who wishes to pursue a high-powered career as a professional economist should plan to do some graduate study.

Economics Curriculum (66-69 Credits):

The Economics program at Western provides several options under the BA degree.  The Economics major requires a foundation in economic theory and quantitative skills and provides opportunities for pursuing in depth a number of important areas within Economics.

• Econ 206, 207, 303, 306, 307, 375
• Math 124 or Math 157 or equivalent
• DSCI 205 or equivalent
• MIS 220 or CSCI 101
• 32 credits of upper- division electives in the College of Business and Economics, under departmental advisement; at least 24 of these credits must be in upper divisionu economics; a minimum of 16 of the 24 credits of economics must be at the 400 level.
• Take one Communication Focus (CF) course and complete the upper-division Writing Proficiency (WP) requirement. The CF and WP courses must be taken within CBE and can be completed as part of the above required and elective courses.

   

Economic Plan of Study

Download Plan of Study (pdf)

Advising

For answers to questions concerning preparation and progress through the major, students should contact the Economics Department.

After the declaration of major, a student will be assigned a faculty adviser with whom the student must consult concerning required and elective courses in the chosen major and concentration. The faculty adviser may also be a source of information concerning career objectives and opportunities.