Economics

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Chairperson: Dr. John L. Conant
Department Office: Holmstedt Hall, room 277
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/econ/
E-mail: econ@indstate.edu

The Department of Economics offers the opportunity for concentrated study of traditional economic theory as well as specific economic and social issues, including: health care, the environment, labor relations, government regulation and finance, economic systems, economic development, and international trade and finance. The curriculum developed by the Department of Economics is based on the premise that economics students, regardless of their professional goals, should be well informed about the basic principles of all areas of economic inquiry. The study of economics has always required a basic understanding of mathematics and statistics as well as the institutional arrangements of society. More recently, as economic analysis has come to play a central role in public policy debates, the interactions between economic theory and the physical and social/cultural sciences have become even more important. For these reasons, whether students plan to teach, enter the world of business or government, or pursue graduate study in business, economics, medicine, or law, the same core curriculum is required. However, students may work with their advisors to create a customized program that meets their individual needs.

In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the College of Arts and Sciences and Indiana State University, the Department of Economics participates in the General Education Program, the Honors Program, the International Studies Program, the Women’s Studies Program, and the International Business Concentration.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Degrees Offered

The Department of Economics offers one curriculum leading to a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Candidates for either degree must successfully complete the University requirement of a minimum of 124 credit hours, including General Education course work, as well as requirements for the departmental major. Candidates for a bachelor of arts degree must also complete two years, or the equivalent, of a foreign language. A minor or second major is recommended, but is not required for either degree.

Economics majors and minors can, with the assistance of their departmental advisor, design interdisciplinary programs of study in any area of economics through the careful selection of electives from other departments of the University. Such planning might be particularly attractive to students interested in pursuing graduate study in law, business, journalism, or the social sciences. Internship or co-op work experiences can be arranged through the University’s Career Center for students interested in careers in business management, government administration, labor relations, economic analysis, banking, and urban planning. The department also offers concentrations in economics that lead to teaching licensure and a bachelor’s degree in social studies education.

Departmental Opportunities

The college, in consultation with departments, assigns each student a faculty academic advisor. Majors and minors in the Department of Economics are encouraged to maintain good contact with their advisor, and are expected to work with their advisor prior to registration each semester. Students who do so are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success. Students can find their assigned advisor by consulting the college, the department, or their DARS.

The department houses the Center for Economic Education, which provides opportunities for elementary and secondary education majors to develop and present grade appropriate lesson plans for economic education. The mission of the center is to provide basic economic instruction, appropriate grade level curriculum materials, and training in the methods of economic instruction to kindergarten-12 teachers, both pre-service and in-service.

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