Economics B.A. with a Concentration in International Politics and Policy

The B.A. in Economics provides a basis for professional work in business and government or for graduate study. In addition, the B.A. in Economics complements many other areas of study, such as political science, history, or mathematics, as part of a double major. The International Politics and Policy concentration is intended for students who are interested in the intersection of economics and policy and have interests in studying economics in a broad international context. This concentration is ideal for students interested in pursuing double majors in political science or history and working in governmental or non-governmental international organizations. In terms of graduate study, this concentration would be more suited to a law degree or Master’s degree programs in public policy, international relations, diplomacy or economic development. Students should consult with their academic adviser for help in determining which concentration will best suit their goals for future study or career.

Degree Requirements

A major in Economics is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Courses

ECO 101Principles of Macroeconomics

1 Course Credit

ECO 102Principles of Microeconomics

1 Course Credit

PSC 100Intro to Study of Politics

1 Course Credit

ECO 250Applied Statistics

1 Course Credit

or

PSC 235Research Methods

1 Course Credit

ECO 360/PSC 360Int'l Political Economy (PSC)

1 Course Credit

Required Capstone Courses

ECO 310Research in Economics I

1/2 Course Credit

ECO 410Research in Economics II

1/2 Course Credit

ECO 310 and ECO 410: 1/2 credit

Required Theory Courses

Two courses (one ECO and one non-ECO) from:

ECO 301Intermediate Macroeconomics

1 Course Credit

ECO 302Intermediate Microeconomics

1 Course Credit

HIS 22420th Century World History

1 Course Credit

HIS 229/AST 229Modern Imperialism (AST)

1 Course Credit

PSC 220Comparative Political Systems

1 Course Credit

PSC 250International Relations

1 Course Credit

PSC 325Public Admin & Public Policy

1 Course Credit

Required Policy Application Courses

Three courses (at least two ECO) selected from the following:

ECO 248Economics of Immigration

1 Course Credit

ECO 332Money and Banking

1 Course Credit

ECO 341Economic Dev:Theory & Appl

1 Course Credit

ECO 347International Trade and Policy

1 Course Credit

BUS 357/ECO 357International Finance (ECO)

1 Course Credit

ECO 370Environ Issue in Public Policy

1 Course Credit

HIS 270Recent History of Middle East

1 Course Credit

PSC 352Politics of Developing Nations

1 Course Credit

PSC 355Foreign Policy Analysis

1 Course Credit

PSC 352 (pre-req PSC 220), PSC 355 (pre-req PSC 250), or other 200 level or above courses as approved by the program

Required Collateral Courses

MAT 115College Algebra with Modeling

1 Course Credit

C or higher required

Required ECO Credits

Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits in ECO courses at the 200 level or above.

 

Optional Concentration in Finance

With either the Concentration in Methods and Models, or with the International Politics and Policy Concentration, Economics majors may elect to complete an Optional Concentration in Finance.  This optional concentration does not replace the requirement to complete a Concentration in either Methods and Models, or in International Politics and Policy, but can be added as an Optional Concentration to either.

Four Collateral Courses

BUS 120Accounting I

1 Course Credit

BUS 346Investment Analysis

1 Course Credit

BUS 366Financial Management

1 Course Credit

BUS 368Intermediate Corporate Finance

1 Course Credit

Required Courses for the Optional Finance Concentration

ECO 332Money and Banking

1 Course Credit

ECO 357/BUS 357International Finance (BUS)

1 Course Credit

Note: The ECO 332 and ECO/BUS 357 courses will satisfy existing requirements for both the Methods and Models and International Politics and Policy concentrations.  With careful planning, these do not have to represent additional courses for the Finance concentration.

Exploring the Major— Students considering Economics with a Concentration in International Politics and Policy as a major should begin exploring the discipline through the Program’s introductory courses—ECO 101 and ECO 102, and through various Special Topics courses offered during regular or summer terms.

Admission to the Major— No special curricular requirements must be met for admission into this major.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— Prospective Economics majors with a concentration in International Politics and Policy should: 1) Complete the Developmental Mathematics requirement, if applicable, as soon as possible because this is a prerequisite for both ECO 101 and ECO 102, which are the foundational courses for Economics, and one or both are therefore required for any 300-level ECO course. 2) Complete PSC 100 as soon as possible because, in addition to being a major requirement, it is a prerequisite for two of the PSC theory courses that could be selected to meet the non-ECO theory requirement, and it is the first in a series of courses required to take either of the PSC courses that a student could select in meeting the policy application requirement. 3) Follow the Mathematics sequence, completing or waiving MAT 115. This Mathematics course serves as a prerequisite for ECO 250 and required theory courses for Economics majors. Students interested in taking ECO 302 as their theory course must also complete or waive MAT 135 as early as possible because it is a prerequisite. Junior standing is preferred for ECO 310 and senior standing for ECO 410. Students may enroll in up to two program Internship experiences for a maximum of three credits. However, no more than one credit from Internships may be counted toward the major requirements.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy program standards for written and oral communication. For more about these standards, please see the Program’s website. Opportunities to do so are provided in a number of courses throughout the curriculum. The Program also requires that a majority of courses taken to satisfy major and minor degree requirements must be taken at Berea College.