[ Economics to Law School ] [ B.A. Requirements ] [ Academic Minor ] [ Courses ]

Overview

The study of economics examines how entities from individuals to nations allocate resources to achieve objectives consistent with their desires and interests. A strong economics background can help one:

• better predict movements in stock markets;
• achieve a balance between economic policy and environmental goals;
• recognize the costs and benefits of increased globalization including international trade;
• predict how different government policies influence the business cycle.

Economic forces have had powerful effects throughout world history. A strong background within economics can greatly increase one's understanding of the world today. The study of economics helps develop analytical abilities and skills such as forecasting market trends and managing financial portfolios that are attractive to a wide range of employers in both the private and public sectors. Completing a major in economics is also beneficial to those who enter graduate programs in business, law, or any of the social sciences.

Specializations

Within the economics major, students can specialize in different fields, including international economics and financial economics. Both areas are rapidly increasing in importance as the world becomes more interdependent and as more people hold financial portfolios. Students specializing in general economics can also tailor a program to meet their specific interests through consultation with one of the undergraduate advisors in the department.

Electives

After meeting the requirements of the economics major and those of the College of Liberal Arts, students still have 35 hours of electives outside the department. This flexibility allows students to augment their economic training with courses that meet particular interests in areas such as business, political science, or journalism. In this way, students can combine their economics degree with other disciplines so as to pursue a wide range of careers and interests.

A separate page shows the graduation requirements for a degree in economics. Economics courses at the 300 level generally require only introductory economics (Economics 240 or Economics 241) whereas those at the 400-level are more sophisticated treatments building upon Economics 340 or Economics 341. Courses taken for a pass/fail grade will not be counted toward the major without the written consent of the director of undergraduate studies within the economics department. Transfer students can receive credit towards the major from equivalent economics courses at other institutions. However, at least five economics courses must be taken at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Planning Ahead

Students are highly encouraged to discuss their major programs and career goals with a professor within the department.

Undergraduates considering graduate study in economics should meet with a professor as soon as possible in order to adequately plan and prepare for the economics and mathematical rigor of these graduate programs.