Economics and Finance

Department Chairperson: Dr. Gwendolyn Tedeschi
Economics and Finance Faculty

Mission Statement

The Economics and Finance department strives for excellence in education by providing a challenging and supportive environment for students to: (1) comprehend, analyze and apply economic theory, (2) develop the practical and social skills to be successful professionals, and (3) become responsible citizens and leaders. The department further engenders to prepare students for advanced studies in graduate programs through the encouragement of critical thinking, development of life-long learning habits and the promotion of leadership and social responsibility.

Economics

Economists are active advisors to government at all levels, corporations and the financial services sector. Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and societies make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources. Many students select an economics major because it develops skills that are widely valued in finance, business, government and law. An economics major is also excellent preparation for students who seek advanced degrees in economics, finance, business and law.

Economics offers three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in economics, a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in economics, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (B.B.A) in business economics. The B.A. degree is most appropriate for students who are planning on general business or entry-level government positions or graduate degrees in areas such as law or public administration. The B.S. degree is advisable for students who seek careers which demand a technical or quantitative focus, or who intend to pursue graduate study in economics. The B.B.A. provides broad preparation and exposure to all areas of business through the required business core in addition to the coursework in economics, preparing students for many potential careers in business.

Finance

Finance is a dynamic and challenging field that seeks to develop within students an understanding of the conceptual framework of modem finance and the applied quantitative skills required for financial decision-making. Students majoring in finance study financial markets and institutions and the financial decision-making process of firms and analyze investments and financial markets. The department further endeavors to prepare students for advanced studies in graduate programs through the encouragement of critical thinking, development of life-long learning habits and the promotion of leadership and social responsibility. Students have the opportunity to pursue internship experiences with a wide variety of firms. The finance major is appropriate for students interested in careers in financial services (principally with banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and commodity brokers and dealers). Graduates also have the option of attending graduate school to obtain a Master’s degree in Financial Management, Business Administration, Economics or other advanced degrees or areas of specialization.

Degrees offered: B.A., B.S. and B.B.A.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Economics