Welcome to Economics at High Point University

Who Pursues a Minor in Economics?
 - Business students who concentrate in a different area than Economics may choose an Economics minor to complement their main business focus.
 - Non-business students who would like to integrate their major area of study with a deeper understanding of economics may also seek an Economics minor.

A Focused Curriculum: As you study economics, you broaden your understanding of society, which is an important part of the liberal arts focus at High Point University. In our courses, you learn the foundations of important economic theories. You also discover the usefulness of economics in managing your personal affairs, dealing with social and political problems, and being an informed voter. The "economic way of thinking" is indeed a powerful tool for you to take with you through the rest of your life. We live in a global economy that is influenced by changing trends in trade, resources, interest rates, unemployment, economic growth, international policy and more.

Requirements for a Minor in Economics (18-20 credits)

Choose two courses from:

ECO 2030.  Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 2050.  Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECO 2010.  Introduction to Modern Economics (4)

Choose two courses from:

ECO 3030.  Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 3050.  Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECO 3400.  Free Enterprise and Capitalism (3)

Choose two additional courses (not selected above, not including ECO 2010):

ECO 3030.  Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 3050.  Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECO 3220.  Labor Economics (3)
ECO 3310.  Money and Banking (3)
ECO 3400.  Free Enterprise and Capitalism (3)
ECO 3410.  Environmental Economics (3)
ECO 3460.  International Economics (4)
ECO 4430.  Comparative Economics (4)
 

A student pursuing a minor in the School of Business must take at least four unique courses beyond those used to fulfill the requirements of his or her major.

Students may not minor in both Economics and Global Commerce.

Student-Focused Faculty: Our Economics faculty are dedicated to undergraduate instruction and scholarship. The courses we offer and the primary interests of our professors span a broad spectrum, ranging from mathematical and statistical treatments of economic theory, to public policy evaluation, to the labor market, to international trade. We take pride in the quality of our teaching and in the intellectual growth and accomplishments of our students.

Full-Time Faculty in the Program Include:

Engaged Learning: Classes emphasize communication skills, analytical skills, leadership, and teamwork. Economics minors also have many study-abroad options as well as opportunities to do internships at local businesses.

Students who would like to complement their major area of study with a strong foundation in economics should consider the economics minor.  Undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate business school or law school are encouraged to take economics courses.

Career Opportunities in Economics

The study of economics emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative analysis, research skills, computer literacy, reading comprehension, and report writing, all of which are critical for many types of employment.

Economics students are encouraged to take complementary courses in business administration, mathematics, statistics, history, philosophy, the humanities, and the social sciences to sharpen their analytical skills and to acquire a broader understanding of related issues.

Economics students are also encouraged to seek an internship relating to their field of study. Economics students should visit the Career Development Center to learn about resumes, job interviews, and job openings.

An Economics concentration or minor prepares students to function in many entry- and mid-level positions in business or government that involve market analysis or research. Your future career success, however, pertains just as much to your individual interests, work ethic, and specific job skills as to your academic major. Some economics positions require graduate degrees such as M.B.A., M.S. or Ph.D.

Economics graduates often seek employment in business, government or nonprofit organizations. Economists are generally good problem solvers. They may analyze important economic variables relating to a business activity. Economists may examine inventory policies or financial conditions, or be involved in market forecasting.

An economics minor or concentration is useful not only for students planning a business career, but also for those seeking graduate study and/or careers in political science, law, public policy or business. Economics provides a strong preparation for those considering an M.B.A.

Some examples of economics-related careers include the following: bank officer, financial planner or analyst, business forecaster, healthcare administrator, financial reporter, underwriter, actuary, statistician, real estate agent/broker, teacher, cost analyst, market researcher or analyst.

Graduates: Some activities of graduates of the economics program:

• Project manager at Ford Motor Company.
• Master’s in Economics, in Trade and Development, at Eastern Michigan University.
• Performing forecasting, and compiling business reports, for a government subcontractor.
• Officer and human resource specialist, U.S. Army.