About

Do you want to understand how the economy functions, what drives price changes, business and employment opportunities, and business cycles? Are you interested in how government policies can influence economic activity, and how to formulate and implement effective policies?

Students will begin by gaining an understanding of the basic principles of economics, of the economists' approach to the analysis of the economy and its problems, from both the microeconomic (decision-making) and macroeconomic (equilibrium and dynamics) perspectives. Students can expect to gain a better understanding of how a market economy works, and of the sources of movements in interest rates, unemployment, inflation, trade, government deficits, etc. They will become familiar with decision-making by consumers and profit-maximizing firms, and how those decisions interact to generate market outcomes.

They will also learn how to analyze economic statistics and use econometric analysis to understand economic relations and make predictions. Application will also be made to important social issues and the decisions behind the formulation of public policy and economic regulation. At a personal level, the program provides practical decision-making skills (evaluating alternatives, determining the market value of a house, making investments for retirement, and evaluating risks) and opens up a wide variety of career opportunities, especially in the financial services sector.

ECU Advantage

The ECU economics department is dedicated to providing a program of study that avoids one-size-fits-all uniformity. Our three degree tracks and wide range of economics electives allow students to fine tune their program to meet their specific career goals, from immediate employment through continuing professional (law or business) or academic (master's or doctoral) study. This gives students more flexibility and options for completing a degree than other programs.

The economics faculty brings their course work to life by integrating current events and cutting-edge research into their classes. In addition to being highly active researchers, our faculty have received numerous university teaching awards for their enthusiastic and innovative teaching methods. In addition, we have a very high advisor to advisee ratio: every faculty advisor for about 10 advisees, which means that our majors receive full attention from faculty.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Tisha Emerson (A-428; 252-328-1083; emersont23@ecu.edu)

The core curriculum in economics is intended to give students an understanding of markets and market outcomes. Students will learn how individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make choices about how to allocate scarce resources.

Economics majors are required to earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each of the following courses: ECON 2113, ECON 2133, ECON 3144, ECON 3244.

The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:

1. General education requirements including those listed below - 40 s.h.

(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)

  • MATH 1065 - College Algebra
2. Demonstrated foreign language proficiency through level 2004 - 12 s.h.

(For information about the foreign language requirement view Special Requirements for the BA Degree in the Academic Advisement, Progression and Support Services section and Placement Testing, Foreign Language in the Admission and Readmission section.)

    3. Core - 36 s.h.
    • ECON 2113 - Principles of Microeconomics
    • ECON 2133 - Principles of Macroeconomics
    • ECON 3144 - Intermediate Microeconomics
    • ECON 3244 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
    • ECON 4443 - Econometrics
    • Choose an additional 21 s.h. above 2999, including a minimum of 6 s.h. above 3999
    • Choose an additional 21 s.h. above 2399, including a minimum of 6 s.h. above 3999
    4. Cognates - 9 s.h.
    • ENGL 3880 - Writing for Business and Industry
    • MATH 2283 - Statistics for Business
    • MIS 2223 - Introduction to Computers
    5. Minor and general electives to complete requirements for graduation.

    (Minor must be chosen with approval by advisor.)

      For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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