Economics and Finance
W. Ken Farr, Chair
Professors: Lucky Narain, Ben Scafidi, John Swinton, and Zhenhui Xu
Associate Professors: J.J. Arias, Christopher Clark,
Assistant Professors: Brooke Conaway, Leng Ling and Sudeshna Pal
Limited Term Assistant Professor: Bob Heller
Department Contact Information:
Georgia College
The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business
Economics and Finance
CBX 014
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Atkinson Hall, Room 401
478-445-4210
Economics and Finance Department Web site
Chair, Ken Farr, ken.farr@gcsu.edu
Senior Secretary, Deanie Waddell, deanie.waddell@gcsu.edu
Introduction
Despite common misconceptions, economics is not just about money, the stock market, or "the economy." It is a behavioral science - the only social science for which a Nobel Prize is awarded. Economics draws upon the traditional liberal arts such as history and philosophy, natural sciences such as mathematics and physics, and social sciences, such as political science, sociology, and psychology. The interdisciplinary nature of economics lies at the heart of a liberal arts university. The most basic and enduring strength of economics is that it provides a logical, ordered way of analyzing social problems (e.g. poverty, unemployment, crime, economic growth, the effects of government policy, and pollution) as well as individual behavior (e.g. the labor - leisure tradeoff, drug addiction, taxes, voting, marriage, consumer behavior, and business decisions).
Career Information
Students that graduate with a major in Economics have an advantage entering the job market because employers recognize that economics curricula are rigorous and challenging given their focus on analytical and critical thinking, deductive reasoning, quantitative tools, and communication skills. These skills are sought by employers in many different fields of business and government, thus, offering economics graduates a great deal of occupational flexibility. Also, if you are thinking of attending law school, graduate school to study economics, finance, or getting an MBA, a major in economics provides excellent preparation.
Miscellaneous
Students majoring in Economics can choose either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree. The B.A. program includes up to 30 of free elective coursework hours while the B.S. degree includes 30 free elective coursework hours. These electives provide a unique opportunity for students to complete a second major, or a minor, within four years of study. Because the economics program is relatively small, economics students often work through their program of study in "cohorts," which makes the classroom atmosphere informal and collegial. Upper-level economics courses usually have fewer than 25 students which help to facilitate student-professor interaction.
Our best economics students are honored with invitations to join the prestigious Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society in economics. Also, all economics students are invited to join the Econ Club, which sponsors guest speakers, field trips, occasional lunch seminars, and other social activities.
Four-Year Programs of Study and Degree Requirement Check-Sheets
A sample four-year program of study and degree/major requirements check-sheets are located at: www.gcsu.edu/business/advisement/checksheets.htm