Economic Programs

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What is Economics?

Economics examines markets for everything, from small consumer items, like soft drinks and iPods, to global phenomena, like taxes and government debt. Economists use modern tools to investigate why markets behave as they do. Economists also study the role of government policy in helping, or hindering, the efficient functions of markets.

Economics is about...

• Prices, tradeoffs, and scarcity
• Costs, production, and labor markets
• Inflation, interest rates, taxes, and deficits
• The pros and cons of different government policies
• The role of markets in an increasingly globalized world
• Understanding the sequential rationality of economic activities

A degree in economics or business economics provides the holder with many critical analytical skills demanded by for-profit and nonprofit institutions. An economics degree is versatile, multifaceted, and in demand in a wide variety of occupations from business to government to academics. The degree also includes global aspects that are of increasing importance in today's diverse society.

The programs and course offerings are designed to provide a basic understanding of economic concepts, institutions, processes, and problems; to foster critical and analytical methods of thinking; and to lay the foundation for further study of economics.

Undergraduate Programs in Economics:

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science in Business Economics (B.S.)
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics (B.S.)
  • General Mathematical Economics Track (B.S.)
  • Actuarial Science Track (B.S.)
• Minor in economics

Graduate Programs in Economics:

• Master of Arts in Applied Economics (M.A.)

New! Economics JUMP Program (Joint Undergraduate-Master Degree Program)
Accelerated Masters in Applied Economics

Under certain conditions, undergraduate students majoring in any economics degree may qualify for the Economics JUMP program. This is an accelerated masters program that allows students majoring in economics to take up to 12 hours in approved graduate level courses as an undergraduate student and apply those courses jointly to both their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This leads to the completion of both the baccalaureate and graduate degrees in as few as 138 hours. For more information, visit www.wku.edu/mae/jump.php.