Business Economics (ECON)

Students who wish to major in economics may choose from two courses of study at Centenary: either a B.A. or B.S. degree. The B.A. program offers students the methodology and analytical techniques appropriate for graduate work in economics and related professions such as Planning, Public Administration, and Law. It provides a foundation for research and analysis in academic and government institutions (See page 119 for requirements of the B.A.). The B.S. program in Business Economics, is oriented toward the techniques and background appropriate for the business world. It prepares students for graduate work in Business Administration (M.B.A.) and economic analysis within the business community. Students pursuing the B.S. in Business Economics will complete core business classes in management, marketing, accounting and finance. All economics majors will explore both theoretical and quantitative analysis.

Students may be admitted to the Departmental Honors Program if they have attained junior standing and meet the other requirements. For details, contact the Dean of the School of Business.

Major Requirements for the B.S. in Business Economics

  1. Thirty-two hours including 151, 303, 311, 312, 313, 452, 461; either 324 or 340; and twelve additional hours selected from 324, 329, 340, 343, 395, 396, 411, 412, and 451.
  2. Supportive courses required are ACCT 203 and 204, BUSN 321, 323, 346, 473, and FIN 325.

This major allows students to complete the requirements for entrance into MBA programs with a degree that has an emphasis on core economic theory and applied business problems.

Minor Requirements

Students who desire to earn a minor concentration in Business Economics must satisfy the following requirements:

ECON 151 Introduction to Economics 3 hours
ECON 303 Statistics 3 hours
ECON 311 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory 3 hours
ECON 312 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory 3 hours
ECON 313 Business and Economics Statistics Lab 1 hour
Electives selected from ECON 324, 329, 340, 343, 411, 12, 451, 452 9 hours
Total: 22 hours

ECON 151 is a prerequisite for all Economics Courses numbered 300 and above.

151. Introduction to Economics (3)
An introductory study of essential concepts for understanding economic activity and economic issues involving public policy at the national level. Prerequisite for all 300- and 400-level courses.

295,296. Special Topics in Economics (3,3)
A study of specialized topics in economics not normally covered by other courses. On demand.

303. Statistics (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 109. Corequisite: ECON 313. A study of descriptive statistics, probability, probability distributions, sampling techniques, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, and time series analysis.

308W. Economic History of the U.S. (3)
The development of economic activities in the changing U.S. institutional patterns. On demand.

311. Intermediate Micro-Economic Theory (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 109. Economic theories of individual and business decision-making and their effects on the production and allocation of economic goods.

312. Intermediate Macro-Economic Theory (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 109. Neoclassical, Keynesian, and modern theories of the determination of aggregate economic activity and their empirical relevance.

313. Business and Economics Statistics Lab (1)
Prerequisite: CSC 101 or computer proficiency. Corequisite: ECON 303. This course provides the student with the experience of actually performing statistical analysis on the computer. Applications of both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics will be used.

324. Labor Economics (3)
Development of labor movements, collective bargaining, wages and employment, and public policy. On demand.

329. Money and Banking (3)
The structure and operation of money and banking institutions, with emphasis on the role of money, banking, and monetary policy in the economic life of the community. Fall. (Same as FIN 329)

340. International Economics (3)
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. A study of international economic institutions and the theory of international trade. Topics covered include exports and imports, foreign direct investment, international banking, international transfer of technology and intellectual property, and global market behaviors.

343. Public Sector Economics (3)
A study of welfare economic problems unique to the public sector including: the public-private mix of natural resource allocation, environmental quality, tax incidence, distribution, and public policy.

351S. Evolution of Economic Thought (3)
Introduction to the major schools of thought and theories that have contributed to economic principles. On demand.

395,396. Special Topics in Economics (3,3)
A study of specialized topics in economics not normally covered by other courses. On demand.

400. Internship in Economics (3)
Restricted to economics major. Designed to provide an opportunity for students to expand their theoretical knowledge and practical application of economic principles by first-hand experience in various public and private agencies. A written and/or oral report on the internship is required. Consent of the instructor is necessary before registration.

411. Industrial Organization (3)
Prerequisite: Econ 311. An advanced study of applied micro-economic theory with respect to the organization of markets and institutions. Particular focus is upon the structure of markets, particularly oligopolies, and behavior of firms. Additionally, government regulation of firms and markets, both within and without antitrust laws is studied. On demand.

412. Global Macroeconomics (3)
Prerequisite: ECON 312 and ECON 340. An advanced study of macroeconomic theory as it is applied among and between various economies. Topics covered include international trade and finance, the international monetary system, trans-national policies, and regional trade alliances.

451. Mathematical Economics (3)
Prerequisites: ECON 311, 312, and MATH 109. A mathematical analysis of economic theory and problems, including constrained maxima and minima, linear programming, elementary differential equations, and difference equations with economic applications. Spring, alternate years.

452. Econometrics and Quantitative Analysis (3)
Prerequisite: ECON 303, 311, 312, 313. An Introduction to the use of statistical techniques and mathematical model-building as predictive tools for both micro-economic and macro-economic applications.

461 Research Seminar in Economics (1)
Prerequisites: ECON 452. A comprehensive seminar in which students complete, present, and defend an econometric study. Course topics encompass the breadth of current economic theory. Spring.

473. Senior Seminar (3)
Prerequisite: Senior standing, ECON 303, 311, 312, 313. Study of topics that encompass the field of economic theory and its applications in society. Students will present and defend their final projects.

491-496. Independent Study (1-6)
Independent Study of economic problems. By invitation only.

199. Module Studies (3)
Special topics offered during the Module.

Last updated May 23, 2007.