Information for Students
Planning a major
In planning a major in the department, students should pay special attention to the prerequisites for upper-level courses. Certain basic courses are required for most of the advanced courses, and some of the advanced courses are, in turn, required for further advanced work. By the end of the sophomore year, prospective majors in either economics or business administration should have completed the following courses: Economics 101-102, 290, and Mathematics 115. In addition to these courses, students majoring in Business should have completed Business 241 by the end of the sophomore year. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that prospective majors begin Economics 101-102 and Math 115 in the first or second semester of the first year.
Specific requirements for the CPA exam are being changed and vary from state to state. Interested students must determine for themselves what the requirements are in their own state. In general, students interested in emphasizing accounting in their major, with the goal of sitting for the CPA exam or going on for an advanced degree in accounting, should complete Business 241 by the end of the sophomore year. Regardless of the state of residency, adequate preparation for the CPA exam generally requires at a minimum, Business 241, 343, 345, 341-342, and 448.
International Business Track
One of the stated goals of the Department of Economics and Business is to offer an international perspective of economics and business administration to students. International business is the field of study that focuses on business activities that cross national boundaries. Attractive foreign opportunities and strong competition from abroad necessitate that strategic planning be undertaken in a global context. Managers must be prepared for greater flexibility and creativity, as well as greater customer orientation. International business combines the science and the art of business with many other disciplines, such as economics, geography, history, language, statistics, political science, and demography. We encourage students on the international business track to achieve the broad exposures required to participate in international business by taking courses throughout the liberal arts curriculum. We especially encourage students to take courses in international studies and in at least one modern language.
Masters of Science in Accounting
A more concentrated study of accounting may be undertaken in the M.S. in Accounting Program offered by the Department of Economics and Business. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in the Department of Economics and Business and who have taken those accounting courses listed above, can finish the requirements of the M.S. in Accounting degree in two additional semesters of study. For a complete listing of courses and degree requirements in the M.S. in Accounting program, see the section on Master of Science in Accounting.
Interdisciplinary programs and majors
For a description of interdisciplinary programs and majors offered by the Department of Economics and Business, refer to the Section on Interdisciplinary Study.
Courses for non-majors
Economics 101-102, for which there are no prerequisites, is the appropriate entry into the department for majors and non-majors alike, and Economics 101 is a prerequisite for all courses in the department except Business 241. Students interested in taking additional courses in the department may take any course for which they have met the prerequisites. However, such students should consult with a member of the department faculty to determine a logical sequence of courses suitable for their particular interests.
Mathematics requirement
Students who contemplate graduate work in economics or business administration are urged to substitute Mathematics 121 and 122 for Mathematics 115. Mathematics 115 is a terminal course in mathematics that is not suitable to support additional work in mathematics needed for graduate study. In addition, it is recommended that Mathematics 223 and 261 be taken. For the student contemplating doctoral studies in economics, the equivalent of a major in mathematics is strongly recommended. Consult a member of the economics faculty for further information.
Special opportunities
Majors may be eligible to participate in an internship program (see the course description for Business 460) which offers a wide range of experiential opportunities with banks, stock brokerages, manufacturers, hotels and other businesses.
