Bachelor of Science in Economics
The BS in Economics is excellent preparation for any career that requires knowledge of decision-making methods, the ability to analyze data relevant to making those decisions and the ability to reason critically about the results. These careers include work as private and public sector economists, as well as employment in other jobs that involve the study and forecasting of economic conditions and trends. In the private sector, successful organizations require personnel with the skills to gather and analyze information about the economic environment which can be used to develop business strategy and policy. In the public sector, virtually every decision made by governmental bodies requires an analysis of its economic ramifications.
The Economics degree program is designed to provide flexibility and ease of access to a wide variety of minors. You can choose a minor and additional elective courses in a field that fits your career goals—for example, if you are interested in environmental policy, you can elect a minor in Environmental Studies. Business Administration is a popular minor for those with career interests in the private sector. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your career goals with economics faculty for guidance in choosing an appropriate minor.
If you plan to continue your education with a graduate degree, economics is a good choice for a wide variety of fields. A Masters or Ph.D. in economics expands possibilities for many careers in the public and private sectors. Students interested in graduate level economics study are advised to minor in Mathematical Sciences to strengthen their credentials for admittance to the best programs. Because of its emphasis on research and analytical reasoning, economics traditionally ranks near the top of undergraduate degrees earned by successful applicants to schools of law.
The program is also sufficiently flexible to accommodate a double major—for example, Economics and Finance if you are interested in a career in the financial services industry or working in public sector financial regulation.
A Very Important Notice
The requirements listed on this web page for the BS in Economics are those contained in the current University catalog. You are responsible for meeting program requirements in your catalog of record—the catalog in effect when you entered NKU as a degree-seeking student. You can find an archive of previous catalogs here. You may change your catalog of record to take advantage of program improvements in subsequent years. Consult with the College of Business Advising Center for guidance in catalog changes.
Graduate in Four Years!
If you successfully complete an average of only 15 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester, you can finish your Economics degree in four years (eight semesters). See a detailed four year graduation plan in a downloadable pdf file here.
You should give careful attention to course prerequisites, as they are strictly enforced. If you choose to earn your degree over a period longer than four years, the basic sequence of courses shown in the four year plan will still apply in most cases. If you decide to deviate from the recommended sequence, you should consult with the College of Business Advising Center for assistance in developing an alternative graduation plan.
Economics Program Courses
All students complete a common economics knowledge core of ten courses plus two additional ECO elective courses. The program provides up to 33 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level that can be used for minors or a double major.
Consider using an internship (ECO 396) to fulfill an elective requirement in your economics degree program. The internship option allows you to gain practical work experience and real-world networking exposure at the local, regional, national, or international level while under the guidance and supervision of an expert professional. Internships can also be targeted to the area of your minor.
Courses
• ECO 200 Principles of Macroeconomics
o Prerequisite: college-level mathematics course (MAT or STA)
• ECO 201 Principles of Microeconomics
o Prerequisite: college-level mathematics course (MAT or STA)
• STA 205 Introduction to Statistical Methods
or STA 212 Statistics for Business Applications I
• ECO 300 Intermediate Macroeconomics
o Prerequisites: ECO 200, ECO 201, STA 205 or STA 212
• ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
o Prerequisites: ECO 200, ECO 201, STA 205 or STA 212
• ECO 310 Introduction to Econometrics
o Prerequisites: ECO 200, ECO 201, STA 205 or STA 212
• ECO 305 International Context for Business
• Two (2) ECO 300-400 level elective courses
o Prerequisite: all require ECO 200 and ECO 201; others may apply–consult catalog
• STA 314 Design and Analysis of Experiments
o Prerequisite: B- or better in STA 205 or STA 212
• STA 316 Regression Analysis
o Prerequisite: B- or better in STA 205 or STA 212
• ECO 494 Seminar in Economics
o Prerequisites: ECO 300, ECO 301
If you have additional questions about our academic programs, please drop us an email at markets@nku.edu or phone the department office at 859-572-6582.