Economics Major

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Program Contact/Coordinator
Eluned Jones, Head
Jason Zimmerman, Assistant Department Head
Department of Economics
Scobey Hall 142
605-688-4845
e-mail: jason.zimmerman@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/econ/
Click here for additional information.

Program Description
The major in Economics provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods. Students develop analytical and critical-thinking skills, and are well trained for careers in policy analysis, business, or for future graduate study. The major allows students to customize their program of study by choosing electives in economics, business, accounting, agricultural economics, or entrepreneurship. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in economics or related fields are well prepared with an economics degree.

Program Admission

Student Learning Outcomes
Economics students will:

Understand the economic principles and complexities that underlie the global economy;
Apply economic concepts and techniques for decision-making;
Communicate effectively;
Think critically;
Behave ethically and humanely.

Course Delivery Format
The program offers courses on campus, with limited online coursework, usually during the summer.

Requirements for Economics Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements*: 31-32

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
, and
ENGL 201
Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication:
SPCM 101*
Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity :
ECON 201
and Non ECON course Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics:
MATH 123
Credits: 4-5
Goal #6 Natural Sciences Credits: 6

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5

Goal #1 First Year Seminar
Credits: 2
Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility
Credits: 3

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements: 17-34

Bachelor of Arts

Modern Languages Credits: 3-14 (completion and competency in one language at the 202 level or a department-approved advanced upper division language course)
Social Sciences Credits: 8
- ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics * (COM) (G)
  Credits: 3
Humanities Credits: 6

Bachelor of Science

Natural Science Credits: 14
With 6 credits of Biological Sciences
With 8 credits of Physical Sciences
Social Sciences Credits: 12
- ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics * (COM) (G)
  Credits: 3
Humanities Credits: 8

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Major Requirements: 39

ACCT 210 - Principles of Accounting I (COM) Credits: 3
ACCT 211 - Principles of Accounting II (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 301 - Intermediate Microeconomics (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 302 - Intermediate Macroeconomics (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 330 - Money and Banking (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 423 - Introduction to Econometrics (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 428 - Mathematical Economics Credits: 3
STAT 281 - Introduction to Statistics (COM) Credits: 3
ENGL 379 - Technical Communication (COM) (AW) Credits: 3
Electives in AGEC or ECON (except ECON 101) Credits: 6
Choose Two Courses from the Following: 6
ECON 403-503 - History of Economic Thought (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 405 - Comparative Economic Systems (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 433 - Public Finance (COM) (AW) Credits: 3
ECON 440-540 - Economics of International Sector Credits: 3
ECON 450-550 - Industrial Organization (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 453-553 - Risk Management-Personal and Business Credits: 3
ECON 460-560 - Economic Development ** (G) Credits: 3
ECON 472-572 - Resource and Environmental Economics (COM) Credits: 3
ECON 482 - Labor Economics (COM) Credits: 3

General Electives: 27-39

Total Required Credits: 120

Curriculum Notes

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.