Economics Program Description
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Economics
Economics Fundamentals
Economics is the study of how society, businesses, organizations and individuals produce, exchange, buy and sell goods and services. A Bachelor of Arts in Economics earned at The University of Akron prepares students for careers in the field through:
- Core courses in theory, quantitative and computer methods
- Development of analytical and problem solving skills
- A program tailored with electives geared toward a particular career track in:
- business
- banking and international economics
- public policy
- graduate school
Our Faculty
- conduct research
- publish in high-quality academic journals
- consult with businesses and government agencies
Akron Advantage
Hands-on Research
Program culminates in a senior project where you will demonstrate your abilities and apply what you have learned, both analytically and quantitatively.
Real-world Experience
Gain practical professional experience through internship opportunities typically taken in the summer between the third and fourth years.
Recent Placements
- Westfield Insurance
- Allstate Insurance
- City of Akron
- FirstMerit Bank
- Limited Brands, Inc.
- The Timken Company
- SS&G Wealth Management
- PNC Bank
Economics Student Organizations
Interact with other economics students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:
- Economics Club
- Economics Honor Society — Omicron Delta Epsilon
Sample Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics
| First Year |
|
Third Year |
|
| English Composition I, II | 7 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| Social Science requirement | 3-4 |
Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| Principles of Microeconomics (spring semester) |
3 | Applied Econometrics |
3 |
| Beginning Foreign Language I, II | 8 | Department electives | 6 |
| Physical Education/Wellness | 1-3 | Area Studies | 15-21 |
| College Algebra | 3-4 |
Total | 30-36 |
| Natural Science requirement | 3-4 | ||
| Calculus for Business Applications or Concepts of Calculus I |
4 | ||
| Total | 29-34 | Fourth Year | |
| Senior Project in Economics | 2 |
||
| Second Year |
Department electives | 6 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics (fall semester) | 3 | Area Studies | 22 |
| Intermediate Foreign Language I, II | 6 | Total |
30 |
| Natural Science requirement | 3-4 |
||
| Introductory Statistics I, II | 4 | ||
| Humanities in Western Tradition I | 4 | ||
|
Introduction to Public Speaking or |
3 | ||
| Humanities course | 3 | ||
| Computer Skills for Economic Analysis (fall semester) | 3 | ||
| Total | 32-33 | ||
Career Opportunities
With an economics degree you can do "anything you want to do" or "anything which requires analytical and problem solving skills." You will have an important skill set that differentiates you from others, and is needed in both the private and public sectors, which gives you flexibility. Thus, a variety of career opportunities are available to well-trained economists:
- Academics
- Business
- Consulting
- Government
- Journalism
- Pre-law
Degrees and Preparation
A degree in economics paves the way to many career opportunities. To follow a particular career-oriented track, the department offers electives in business (15 credits), banking and international economics (15 credits), public policy (18 credits) and graduate school (18 credits).
Possible positions with a bachelor's degree:
- economic and market research firms
- banks
- management consulting firms
- securities and commodities organizations
- computer and data processing companies
- government agencies
- insurance companies
- consulting
Career Outlook
The best opportunities are in private industry, especially in research, testing and consulting firms. Job prospects are especially good for those with advanced degrees.
A&S Careers Program
Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:
- lending library with up-to-date, career-related publications
- computer workroom for resume writing and employment research
- volunteer, paid and for-credit internship placement on and off campus
- department-specific mentoring arrangements
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
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