Economics
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Michael J. Vernarelli, Department Chairperson
The BS in economics emphasizes the quantitative analytical approach to dealing with economic problems in both the public and private sectors, providing students with marketable skills and the intellectual foundation for career growth.
The distinguishing feature of RIT’s economics program is the curriculum. We prepare students by developing communication, computer, and management skills in addition to economic reasoning and quantitative abilities. Students in the program are involved in a wide variety of management and analytical positions, both during co-op and after graduation.
Curriculum
Students take rigorous and challenging required courses specifically designed to develop the ability to apply economic analysis to real-world problems. Liberal arts courses enhance the student’s oral and written communication skills. Business courses include accounting and finance. Quantitative analytical skills are developed by a course sequence that includes computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Free electives allow students to pursue advanced study in their individual areas of interest and/or develop a double major. Along with finance, marketing, mathematics, statistics, or computer science, there are many other possibilities. Faculty advisers help students develop professional options that will assist them in attaining their career goals.
Academic enrichment
Economics faculty members serve as mentors and are available to enhance students’ personal and professional growth. There are many special opportunities for students in the economics program. Students may work as teaching assistants for professors in Principles of Economics courses or learn about research techniques as research assistants for the faculty. For both of these activities, students receive a stipend. Finally, students can engage in independent research, receiving academic credit and obtaining funding for their research needs.
Cooperative education
Students in the economics program who participate in co-op may be placed with financial and brokerage institutions, government offices, and large corporations. Co-op can be taken during any quarter, including summer, after the sophomore year.
Double major in economics
Because of the flexibility of the economics curriculum, many students choose to pursue a double major in economics and a secondary field of study. Students are able to graduate in four years.
Opportunities for graduates
Graduates with a BS degree in economics are prepared for entry-level positions in management and quantitative analysis as well as graduate study in economics, business, or law. Students can take advantage of the 4+1 MBA program in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business and the 4+1 program in public policy in the College of Liberal Arts. Students who follow one of these accelerated dual degree programs will receive a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in either public policy or business administration in five years.
Economics, BS degree, typical course sequence |
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| Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | ||
First Year |
Foundational Seminar in Economics 0511-200 | 1 |
| Principles of Microeconomics 0511-211 | 4 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics 0511-402 | 4 | |
| Managerial Economics 0511-459 | 4 | |
| Choose one of the following math sequences: | 8 | |
| Algebra and Calculus for
Management Science
1016-225, 226 |
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| Calculus A, B 1016-271, 272 | ||
| Computer Science Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 20 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
Second Year |
Monetary Analysis and Policy 0511-452 | 4 |
| Applied Econometrics 0511-457 | 4 | |
| Economic Forecasting 0511-458 | 4 | |
| Data Analysis 1016-319 | 4 | |
| Financial and Management Accounting 0101-301, 302 | 8 | |
| Liberal Arts* | ||
| General Education Electives | 12 | |
| Laboratory Science | 8 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
Third Year |
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory 0511-453 | 4 |
| Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory 0511-455 | 4 | |
| Mathematical Methods for Economics 0511-460 | 4 | |
| Corporate Finance 0104-441 | 4 | |
| Free Electives | 8 | |
| Computer Science Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Programming Elective | 4 | |
Fourth Year |
International Trade and Finance 0511-454 | 4 |
| Industrial Organization 0511-456 | 4 | |
| Benefit Cost Analysis 0511-450 | 4 | |
| Free Electives | 19 | |
| Math Elective | 4 | |
| General Education Electives | 8 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 180 | |
*See Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information. †See Wellness Education Requirement for more information. |
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