Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Economics has been called the science of scarcity. It is the study of how individuals allocate scarce resources for production in order to satisfy their human needs and wants. This focus on the human condition places economics firmly into the social sciences area. However the application of economic principles to problems of choice in markets and in financial decision-making also gives economics a central role in the theory of business administration and management. The Missouri S&T economics department offers a relevant business-oriented educational experience while maintaining the social science flavor of the traditional economics degree. The curriculum is based on a broad foundational core of economics, business and information and technology. Students majoring in economics also take at least 33 hours of economics, finance, and management courses. The economics courses are taught rigorously and are technically-oriented.

They also provide a solid social science education with studies of the social problems of market failure, monopoly, inflation, and the effectiveness of government economic and social policy. Graduated students have an excellent education with job opportunities across the spectrum including business, finance, study of the law, government and public policy. The economics program allows for the flexibility of selecting either the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science programs, depending on which best fits the student's goals and skills. Either degree will provide students with the necessary skills to compete effectively in the job market or succeed in graduate school. Students wishing to minor in economics may select from a variety of courses tailored to their own needs.

Specific tracks are available in energy/technology and international economics. Students majoring in an academic area at Missouri S&T other than economics can pursue a secondary B.A. or B.S. in economics to accompany their primary major. See the department chair of economics for more details on this academic option.