(Bachelor of Science Degree)
The business economics and finance major provides students with the ability to apply the general concepts of economics to help solve management problems. Firms are becoming increasingly aware of the contribution that economics can make in day-to-day decisions. The major is centered on a thorough understanding of economics and is supplemented by courses in accounting, finance, and management. Managerial economics, research methods in economics, and an internship provide the link between economic theory and business application.
In addition to providing an especially strong foundation for employment in business, the business economics and finance major is also a good basis for graduate work in business, economics, and law. With the growing emphasis on economic education in the high schools, the business economics major can also help prepare students for certification in the areas of management or economics. Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education, listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog.
Learning Objectives
Graduates from this program will be able to:
- Understand the structure of an organization and processes for managing them.
- Identify and interpret legal and ethical issues in the global business environment.
- Consume and produce quantitative and qualitative information in order to facilitate business and/or economic decision-making.
- Solve business and organizational problems using analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Apply rudimentary concepts from the management of technology discipline to people, process, and technology management challenges in a modern organization.
- Recognize the impact of the global and multi-cultural environment on managing a business.
- Employ oral communication skills to influence a professional audience.
- Demonstrate proficiency in written communications across multiple platforms and purposes.
- Apply microeconomic principles to evaluate markets in allocating resources.
- Explain how the micro-economy functions and identify the government’s role in affecting unemployment, inflation, and growth.
- Understand and apply advanced financial management methods to corporate and personal investment decisions.
- Complete an integrative research project that embeds required tools and skills.
Students completing the finance concentration will also:
- Calculate the value of a business or other asset using the time value of money.
- Apply the principles of capital budgeting to business decisions.
- Recommend appropriate investments using the principles of portfolio theory.
Students completing the financial planning concentration will also:
- Understand the CFP board code of ethics and professional responsibility.
- Integrate the knowledge of insurance, tax, and investments to form retirement and estate planning.
- Develop appropriate investment plans using the principles of portfolio theory.
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