Economics

Elizabeth Schmitt, Chair
431B Mahar Hall
315-312-2175
www.oswego.edu/economics

Professors: Said Atri, William Goffe, U Jin Jhun, John Kane, Elizabeth Schmitt, Lawrence Spizman

Associate Professors: David R. Andrews, Ranjit Dighe, Glenn Graham

Economics, the study of economic institutions and systems, is useful in an intellectual sense because it trains students to think critically and logically about complex social phenomena. With such knowledge it is possible to understand the impact of broad socioeconomic developments and policies on economic systems and institutions as well as the response of these units to them.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Economics combines training in technical economics with opportunities for a broad and balanced undergraduate education. Students may select courses that emphasize the relation of business to economics; they may choose courses that concentrate more heavily on economics and other social sciences; or they may select courses that relate economics to history, philosophy, or literature. The successful completion of the degree prepares students for further study in economics, industrial relations, business administration, law, and related fields, or for careers in teaching, government, research, unions, and business. In addition to the high demand in traditional academic and government research and advisory positions, new sources of demand for economists have emerged in recent years. American business firms actively seek economists for research and administrative positions. In government and international agencies, the use of economists in traditional positions has been supplemented by their involvement in sophisticated program planning and high-level administrative positions.

The aims of the degree program are threefold: to give students a firm grounding in modern economic theory; to provide a basic descriptive knowledge of the U.S. and world economy; and to develop in students the capability for quantitative research and independent thought. These aims roughly correspond to the requirements of theory, electives, statistics, and research. The requirements allow substantial freedom for students both in designing individual programs within economics and in balancing the programs with subjects in other disciplines.

An advisement brochure is available which the Economics Department will provide to interested individuals upon request.

American Studies–B.A. American Studies–B.A. 
Applied Mathematical Economics–B.S.  

The Economics Department cosponsors these interdisciplinary programs.

International Trade Concentration

The foreign trade concentration is an interdisciplinary program designed for students contemplating a career in international trade. The objectives of the program are twofold: (1) to give students a thorough knowledge of the language and people of another country; and (2) to equip them with skills to find employment in the international sector. Two departments participate in this program. Foreign Languages and Economics. The International Trade Concentration is available to students majoring in either of these areas. In addition to meeting the major requirements. Economics majors must take twenty-four hours in one foreign language, or twelve hours each in two different foreign languages. Language majors must take twenty-four hours in Economics of which six hours must be ECO 101 and 200. The remaining eighteen hours in Economics must be selected under advisement by the Economics Department and will be based on the specific career objectives of the student.