Economics is a social science which centers around the utilization of limited resources to provide the goods and services society desires. Economists study how business and personal decisions are made in various kinds of markets under conditions of scarcity, as well as uncertainty and incomplete information. They also provide insight into solving both short- and long-term problems, including those involving investment and savings decisions, and stability of the economy. Students of economics receive a strong grounding in both theoretical and applied aspects of economics which allows them to use their knowledge to understand economic behavior and provides them a basis for evaluating economic policy.
Because of the exposure to understanding how our economy works, economics courses are suitable for students of any major. After graduation, students who major or minor in economics often find themselves with many opportunities ranging from graduate study to careers in business, teaching, research, consulting and civil service.
The Bachelor of Arts major with a concentration in Sustainability Studies is aimed at students interested in the environmental and social impacts of growing economies. Students choosing this concentration should consult their advisor as early as possible, and normally no later than the beginning of their junior year, to discuss their academic and career plans.
The economics minor is an excellent complement to many majors such as politics, history, mathematics, communication, accounting and business administration. The minor provides students with a core of economic theory and a sampling of the many fields of economics.