Department of Economics

Economics is the science of decision-making. Students of economics learn to identify and analyze the costs and benefits of financial and social decisions. Skills in cost-benefit analysis, the core of economists’ training, are widely applicable and highly valued in current job markets.

Graduates of the economics program are prepared for and have been employed in finance, insurance, consulting, real estate (for example as real estate appraisers, stock brokers, credit analysts, loan officers and research analysts); economic journalism; high school teaching, public policy and government employment (federal, state, local); and in managerial positions in business. Class sizes in major courses are small, and there is ample opportunity for direct contact and interaction with faculty.

Opportunities for further education include law school (JD Degree); graduate business school (MBA degree); MS degrees in accounting, business, or finance; master’s degree in public policy; and master’s degree and PhD in economics.

Faculty and Fields of Interest

David Berger (emeritus), Jobs and Discrimination, Urban

Sarah Cosgrove (Chairperson), BBA 1996 St. Norbert College, MA 2000, PhD 2003, University of Wisconsin, Industrial Organization, Regulation, Antitrust, Microeconomics

Daniel Georgianna (emeritus), BS 1965 College of the Holy Cross, PhD 1977 University of Massachusetts Amherst, Marine Resource Economics, History of Economic Thought

Randall Hall, BA 1997 Colby College, MA 1999, CPhil 2002 University of California Los Angeles, International Trade, International Finance

William Hogan (emeritus), Demography, Economic History

Robert Jones (Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences), BA 1996 University of Massachusetts Dartmout, MA 1999, PhD 2001 Clark University, Economics of Health and Medicine, Public Finance, Microeconomics, Econometrics

Devon Lynch, BA 1992, MS 1996 University of the West Indies, MA, PhD 2005 University of Colorado, Public Policy, State and Local Public Finance

Merve Meral, BA 2001 Bogacizi University, MA 2003 Central Michigan University, PhD 2008 Michigan State University, Labor, Economics of Health

Neal Olitsky, BA 2002 Oberlin College, MA 2004, PhD 2008 University of Iowa, Labor, Economics of Education

Biyan Tang, PhD 2016 University of Kansas, Divisia Monetary Aggregates, Monetary Policy

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

A Bachelor of Arts in Economics provides students with a unique blend of a liberal arts education and the practical skills necessary for intelligent decision-making and administration in business and government. In addition to providing a sound foundation in economic theory and economic statistics, the economics BA introduces students to a variety of applied fields which focus on international, national and regional economic problems, issues and policies.

Program Outcomes

After completing the B.A. in economics, students will be able to:

Explain fundamental theories, concepts, and analytical methods of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Apply the general concepts learned from principles of economics to specific fields of economics.
Apply mathematical tools and techniques and evaluate the results to analyze economic problems.
Apply economic analysis to compare and evaluate alternative personal, business, and policy options.
Communicate, in writing and orally, fundamental economic theories, concepts, analytical methods, and policy choices.

Bachelor of Science in Economics

A Bachelor of Science in Economics prepares students for entry-level analytical positions in finance, government, healthcare, consulting, and other fields. Students learn methods used to examine micro- and macroeconomic data and evaluate their findings to formulate recommendations for business decisions and policymakers. Graduates of this program have the practical skills to analyze large data sets, inform data-driven decisions, and communicate their results.

Program Outcomes

After completing the B.S. economics, students will be able to:

Explain fundamental theories, concepts, and analytical methods of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Apply the general concepts learned from principles of economics to specific fields of economics.
Apply mathematical and statistical tools and techniques and evaluate the results to analyze economic problems.
Apply economic analysis to compare and evaluate alternative personal, business, and policy options.
Communicate, in writing and orally, fundamental economic theories, concepts, analytical methods, and policy choices.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration prepares students for positions as supervisors or managers in healthcare. The degree is a great option for healthcare professionals or recent graduates holding an associate’s degree who want to advance their careers. This major provides students with foundational skills in budgeting, management, quantitative analysis, and policy analysis. Graduates of the program have the practical skills necessary for intelligent decision-making and administration in healthcare and are prepared for careers in community clinics, government offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and regulatory agencies.

Program Outcomes

After completing the B.S. in Healthcare Administration, students will be able to:

Demonstrate competence in critical thinking and problem-solving in healthcare settings.
Demonstrate competence in consensus-building, effective decision-making, and execution of an objective in a team setting.
Display effective professional communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate competence in basic business operations, budgeting, and data analysis using the ethical standards of health care administrative practice.