Why study Economics at MC?
Are you interested in learning how economists explain the Great Recession of 2008? Do you wonder how economics can help us understand the effects of globalization? What can economics tell us about the provision of health care? Economics at Maryville College investigates these questions as an integral part of the liberal arts. The major’s primary goal is to cultivate patterns of inquiry that produce economic literacy, independent thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning and a socially responsible life. Economics majors share a common foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics, and history of economic thought. Students then choose from electives such as Money and Banking, Environmental Economics, International Trade, Public Policy, Investment Analysis, and Economic History according to their interests. All students at Maryville College also complete a two-semester research project in their major under the supervision of a faculty member.
In conjunction with the core curriculum, the Economics major develops skills in logical reasoning, data analysis and effective communication, which are essential for economists. Like the alums pictured above, many of our economics graduates find employment in banking and financial services. Others work in the areas of teaching, healthcare administration, and policy analysis. Some choose to continue their studies in law, business, agricultural economics and public policy.
The Major in Economics is appropriate for the student interested in the functioning of the economic system and in economic policy.
Meet a Current Scot
Susan Musiime
Hometown: Greenback, Tennessee
Susan chose Maryville College, she said, because of its dedication to academics, smaller class sizes and academic support services, and her decision to major in Economics stemmed from her interests in mathematics, statistics and social science reasoning.
“Majoring in Economics has exposed me to the fundamental principles of economics and taught me how to apply statistical reasoning in an economic setting,” she said. “I was able to apply them during my internship with a Michigan supply company, DFarm, and Michigan State University. During the internship, I analyzed agricultural grain production and export in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. My research focused on finding supply chain solutions for the region.”
After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Market Research, and nurture her passion for market research analysis and socioeconomic inequalities, she added.
“I hope that one day I will be able to help economic policymakers understand how society impacts their decisions,” she said.
Meet a Recent Grad
Tara Flinchum ’21
Currently: Pursuing a master’s degree in Developmental Economics at Penn State University
Tara found that MC’s rigorous classes prepared her well for graduate-level courses and the amount of work that they require. MC’s broad curriculum also exposed her to different disciplines, which she said has helped her navigate grad school so far. “Being well-rounded in many different subjects is a great strength,” she said.
A native of Appalachia, Tara has seen firsthand how crises like the opioid epidemic have affected the people in her community, economically. She would like to return to the area after graduate school to help under-resourced areas.