Economics

Economics is the social science that deals with problems of choice. It does so through a systematic and logical framework for analyzing how a society solves such problems as what goods and services to produce, how to organize production and for whom goods and services are to be produced. Knowledge of economics is necessary for understanding and dealing intelligently with topics such as economic growth, environmental protection, international trade, government finance and market failure.

Background Information

Besides being important for understanding contemporary social issues, economics is useful in developing career skills for business, law, teaching, public administration and research. Graduates with degrees in economics are in high demand, with economics consistently being among the top five majors wanted by employers. If you like to know how things work and how decisions are made, economics offers a stimulating and rewarding career.

The Program

The study of economics has a long tradition at North Dakota State University. Economics courses are taken by students in all colleges and professional schools on campus. A student pursuing an economics major at NDSU has the advantage of receiving instruction from a well established and strong faculty.

During the freshman and sophomore years the program requires basic college courses such as English, mathematics and science. The introduction to economics includes: 1) macroeconomics, which is the study of such topics as the general level of prices, employment and output, 2) microeconomics, which is the study of relative prices and the consequences of different market forms, and 3) international economics.

Specialized training in economics occurs in the junior and senior years. Economics majors take a one year sequence in intermediate economic theory in their junior year. Students enhance their ability to explain and use fundamental microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts and are further exposed to relationships between governments and markets. These concepts and relationships establish the foundation a student needs to deal with current economic and political issues.

The historical development of economic ideas receives more attention in economics electives which are mainly offered at the senior level. Economics students use these courses to develop areas of emphasis such as money and banking, international economics, labor, industrial organization, public finance and natural resource and environmental economics. A representative program for a major in economics is summarized on the back of this page. A major in economics also can be combined with an international studies major and still be completed in four years. The concepts which a student learns in economics can be applied to many fields. A minor in economics may be selected in combination with most other majors on campus including business.

Career Opportunities

Business, industry, government service, teaching-these are some of the possible areas of employment for the economist. Specifically, recent NDSU economics students have found success in public agency and health administration, financial and credit administration, agribusiness, purchasing, law enforcement, insurance and security sales, risk management and many others. The study of economics also provides excellent preparation for graduate education in areas such as business, economics and law.

High School Preparation

It is recommended that high school students interested in studying economics at the university level concentrate on developing their mathematical and writing skills.

The Faculty

The economics faculty within the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics is student and teaching oriented. The staff offers a wide variety of teaching, business and government experience and is considered especially strong in economic policy and application.

Sample Curriculum*

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics

North Dakota State University
Morrill Hall 217
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7442
Fax: (701) 231-7400
E-mail: NDSU.agibusiness.economics@ndsu.edu
Web:  http://www.ext.nodak.edu/agecon

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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