Economics Undergraduate Programs
Our Undergraduate Economics Programs provide a broad education in the liberal arts with a specialization in economic theory and application. Two bachelor's degree programs are offered, plus a minor in economics and the honors curriculum option. An additional sequence of courses is available for non-business majors who would like to develop a basic understanding of economics.
Major
Students can choose the Bachelor of Arts in Economics Degree, which includes more liberal arts courses, or the Bachelor of Science in Economics, which provides training in the analytical methods and the body of knowledge of economics. The program is flexible, and students can easily pursue an economics degree and a second degree with careful planning. The curriculum focuses on the social sciences from an economic perspective. Topics of study include financial markets, labor relations, the organization of business, and wealth, poverty and income distribution. Students develop analytical, critical-thinking and language skills they can use in any field. Graduates are prepared for careers in finance, public policy, government, law, international trade and other fields. Many pursue graduate studies in law, public policy, business and economics.
New, for students entering Fall 2003 or later
For students entering before Fall 2003:
If you have a question about the different curricula, contact our director of undergraduate programs, Dr. Bobby Puryear; phone: 919. 515.2488.
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The Minor in Economics is designed to give students an understanding of theory and methods of economics and to introduce them to the application of economics to contemporary social issues. The minor in economics is an excellent compliment to many fields of study in the University.
Admission to the Minor
The undergraduate Minor in Economics is open to all undergraduate majors outside the Department of Economics.
As a result of completing the minor in Economics the student will:
- develop an understanding of the micro and macro branches of economic theory as well as applied fields of economic analysis,
- understand why decisions that are made by nations and individuals in a constantly changing business environment have the affects that they do,
- learn to apply economics to contemporary problems faced by institutions in the world of business and the economy in general, and
- develop analytical and problem solving skills.
Program of Study
The minor in Economics requires a minimum of 15 hours as follows:
- EC 205 - Fundamentals of Economics (EC 201 may substitute for EC 205) - 3 hours
- EC/ARE 301 - Intermediate Microeconomics - 3 hours
- EC 302 - Intermediate Macroeconomics -3 hours
- Select 2 courses from 300 and 400 level EC courses (except EC/ARE 401) and 500 level ECG courses. - 6 hours
- Total = 15 hours
NOTE: Consult the NC State Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions and prerequisite information.
Certification of the Minor
Students must submit the application for a Minor in Economics after registering for their final semester. The application (available in our Academic Affairs Office) must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs before the beginning of the student's final semester. (In the event transfer credits contribute to the completion of the minor, a copy of the Advanced Standing Certificate showing the transfer credits must also be submitted).
Certification requires an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in all EC, ECG, and ARE courses (including economics courses with the EB prefix) attempted at NC State. Courses credited to the minor may not be taken for credit only (pass/fail).
At least three 300-, 400-, and 500-level courses must be completed in residence at NC State, and all transfer credits must be approved by Academic Affairs.
Questions concerning admission, course requirements, certification of the minor, etc., should be addressed to the Office of Academic Affairs, or to Dr. Bobby Puryear, 919.515.2488, director of undergraduate programs. He also may serve as an academic advisor for students pursuing a Minor in Economics. Please contact the Economics Department if pursuing the Economics Minor.
Honors
The Honors Program in Economics is designed for academically talented and motivated students who desire a richer educational experience than offered in regular courses. The primary goal of this program is to help students develop the ability to apply economic analysis to a variety of issues of involving choice at the individual, household, firm, and government level. Class size is kept small in honors sections to accommodate discussion and interaction among classmates as well as with the instructor. Students graduating with honors in economics are well prepared for graduate or professional school as well as for entering the private or public sector job market.
Admission to Honors Courses
You may enroll in economics honors courses if you are part of the University Scholars program or if you have completed 30 hours at NC State with an overall GPA of 3.25 or better.
Requirements
To be certified on the diploma as a graduate of the department's honors program, you must have at least a 3.25 GPA in all economics courses attempted at NC State and an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher. In addition, you must take the Honors Seminar (EC 490H) and at least two courses from the following list: EC 301H, EC 302H, a Faculty Initiated Honors Option EC Course, or a 500 level EC course.
If you have questions about the honors program, contact Dr. Michael McElroy.
Sequence in Economics
If your major is outside economics but you would like to develop a practical, working knowledge of basic economic issues, the following may be of interest.
Introductory Economics
Accounting, Business Management and Textile Management Majors are required to take the two semester sequence: EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics and EC 202 Principles of Macroeconomics. All other majors are urged to choose the one-semester EC 205 Foundations of Economics course.
300 Level Courses
Following your Introductory Economics requirement, choose from several interesting and practical 300 level Economics courses targeted at non-majors.
Additional Courses
We hope you'll find your Economics courses so interesting and useful that you'll want to take more. The Minor in Economics requires just 4 courses (12 hours) beyond the introductory course.
If you have questions about the Economics courses or programs, please contact Dr. Bobby Puryear at 919.515.2488.