The B.S. in economics places more emphasis upon developing the analytical and quantitative skills used in analysis. The economics faculty considers research an integral part of good teaching. Research projects in recent years have dealt with energy, public choice, industrial organization, nonlinear modeling, property rights, wage discrimination, urban economic development, health economics and aging, economics of science, economics of gender, poverty and welfare, and government regulations. The economics department also offers courses at the undergraduate level in geography. A graduate program offers work leading to the M.A. degree in economics in preparation for careers in teaching, research, government, and industry.
Classes are small, and student-faculty interaction is encouraged.
The economics department cooperates with the School of Business Administration and the master's in public policy administration program. A student may earn departmental honors with a GPA of 3.6 in economics and the recommendation of the department. A minor in economics is also available. See the following section for requirements.