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.

Photo of Susan Musiime

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.

 

Photo of Tara Flinchum

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.

Sharon May
Dr. Sharon May
Chair, Division of Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Economics
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Macy Scheck
Macy Scheck
Visiting Lecturer in Economics
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For most positions in the business world, students who major in economics are competitive with those who major in business. For situations with strong theoretical emphasis, the major in economics provides an important advantage. The economics major also provides a basis for graduate study in management, business, finance, law, and a variety of other fields.

Bryan College, Masters of Business Administration
George Mason University, Law School
St. John’s College, Liberal Studies
Trinity College, Dublin, Masters of Business Administration
University of Alabama-Birmingham, Hospital Administration
University of District of Columbia College of Law
University of Memphis, Law School
University of Tennessee, Agricultural Economics
University of Tennessee College of Law
University of Tennessee, Masters of Business Administration
Vanderbilt University, Economic Development

21st Mortgage Corporation
Edfinancial Services
LDA Engineering
Vanderbilt Mortgage Corporation

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following:

  • Access existing knowledge including published research and economic data
  • Display command of existing knowledge:
    1. Explain existing economic concepts and how they may be used
    2. Summarize economic conditions
    3. Explore current economic policy issues
  • Interpret existing knowledge and data:
    1. Understand and interpret numerical data found in published tables
    2. Identify patterns and trends in published data
    3. Construct tables from available statistical data
    4. Read and interpret quantitative analyses including regression results
  • Apply existing knowledge to analyze current economic issues, evaluate policy alternatives, or recommend economic policies
  • Create new knowledge by formulating a question about a new economic issue, designing and conducting a research study, and presenting the results in a written report
  • Search for knowledge and understanding by posing and responding to questions that stimulate productive discussion

The Major in Economics consists of a minimum of 46/47 hours in Economics and related fields.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

ECN 101: Contemporary Economic Issues(3 hrs)
ECN 201: Principles of Economics(4 hrs)
ECN 221: Economic Development(3 hrs)
ECN 321: Intermediate Macroeconomics(4 hrs)
ECN 322: Intermediate Microeconomics(3 hrs)
ECN 334: History of Economic Thought(3 hrs)
ECN 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
ECN 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
SLS 299: Issues in Professional Development(2 hrs)
MTH 222: Regression Analysis(3 hrs)

Nine credit hours chosen from the following courses:

ECN 251: Economic History of the United States(3 hrs)
ECN 325: International Trade and Finance(3 hrs)
ECN 331: Public Policy Toward Business(3 hrs)
ECN 332: Money and Banking(3 hrs)
ECN 345: Investment Analysis(3 hrs)
ECN 346: Environmental Economics(3 hrs)
ECN 349: Selected Topics in Economics(3 hrs)
SLS 301: Social Sciences Research Methods(3 hrs)

Either of the following courses:

MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
Or
BUS 344: Principles of Finance(3 hrs)

One of the following courses:

PLS 121: Contemporary Political Issues(3 hrs)
PLS 122: American Government and Politics(3 hrs)
PLS 211: Comparative Government and Politics(3 hrs)
PLS 212: International Politics(3 hrs)
PLS 232: Public Policy(3 hrs)

The Minor in Economics consists of 17 hours.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

ECN 201: Principles of Economics(4 hrs)
ECN 321: Intermediate Macroeconomics(4 hrs)
ECN 322: Intermediate Microeconomics(3 hrs)
ECN 334: History of Economic Thought(3 hrs)

Three credit hours chosen from the following courses:

ECN 221: Economic Development(3 hrs)
ECN 251: Economic History of the United States(3 hrs)
ECN 325: International Trade and Finance(3 hrs)
ECN 331: Public Policy Toward Business(3 hrs)
ECN 332: Money and Banking(3 hrs)
ECN 345: Investment Analysis(3 hrs)
ECN 346: Environmental Economics(3 hrs)
ECN 349: Selected Topics in Economics(3 hrs)

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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