Economics B.A. with a Concentration in International Politics and Policy
The B.A. in Economics provides a basis for professional work in business and government or for graduate study. In addition, the B.A. in Economics complements many other areas of study, such as political science, history, or mathematics, as part of a double major. The International Politics and Policy concentration is intended for students who are interested in the intersection of economics and policy and have interests in studying economics in a broad international context. This concentration is ideal for students interested in pursuing double majors in political science or history and working in governmental or non-governmental international organizations. In terms of graduate study, this concentration would be more suited to a law degree or Master’s degree programs in public policy, international relations, diplomacy or economic development. Students should consult with their academic adviser for help in determining which concentration will best suit their goals for future study or career.
Degree Requirements
A major in Economics is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| ECO 101 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 100 | Intro to Study of Politics | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 250 | Applied Statistics | 1 Course Credit |
| | or | |
| PSC 235 | Research Methods | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 360/PSC 360 | Int'l Political Economy (PSC) | 1 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Courses
| ECO 310 | Research in Economics I | 1/2 Course Credit |
| ECO 410 | Research in Economics II | 1/2 Course Credit |
Required Theory Courses
Two courses (one ECO and one non-ECO) from:
| ECO 301 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 302 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 1 Course Credit |
| HIS 224 | 20th Century World History | 1 Course Credit |
| HIS 229/AST 229 | Modern Imperialism (AST) | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 220 | Comparative Political Systems | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 250 | International Relations | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 325 | Public Admin & Public Policy | 1 Course Credit |
Required Policy Application Courses
Three courses (at least two ECO) selected from the following:
| ECO 248 | Economics of Immigration | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 332 | Money and Banking | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 341 | Economic Dev:Theory & Appl | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 347 | International Trade and Policy | 1 Course Credit |
| BUS 357/ECO 357 | International Finance (ECO) | 1 Course Credit |
| ECO 370 | Environ Issue in Public Policy | 1 Course Credit |
| HIS 270 | Recent History of Middle East | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 352 | Politics of Developing Nations | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 355 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
Required Collateral Courses
| MAT 115 | College Algebra with Modeling | 1 Course Credit |
Required ECO Credits
Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits in ECO courses at the 200 level or above.
Optional Concentration in Finance
With either the Concentration in Methods and Models, or with the International Politics and Policy Concentration, Economics majors may elect to complete an Optional Concentration in Finance. This optional concentration does not replace the requirement to complete a Concentration in either Methods and Models, or in International Politics and Policy, but can be added as an Optional Concentration to either.
Four Collateral Courses
| BUS 120 | Accounting I | 1 Course Credit |
| BUS 346 | Investment Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| BUS 366 | Financial Management | 1 Course Credit |
| BUS 368 | Intermediate Corporate Finance | 1 Course Credit |
Required Courses for the Optional Finance Concentration
Note: The ECO 332 and ECO/BUS 357 courses will satisfy existing requirements for both the Methods and Models and International Politics and Policy concentrations. With careful planning, these do not have to represent additional courses for the Finance concentration.
Exploring the Major— Students considering Economics with a Concentration in International Politics and Policy as a major should begin exploring the discipline through the Program’s introductory courses—ECO 101 and ECO 102, and through various Special Topics courses offered during regular or summer terms.
Admission to the Major— No special curricular requirements must be met for admission into this major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— Prospective Economics majors with a concentration in International Politics and Policy should: 1) Complete the Developmental Mathematics requirement, if applicable, as soon as possible because this is a prerequisite for both ECO 101 and ECO 102, which are the foundational courses for Economics, and one or both are therefore required for any 300-level ECO course. 2) Complete PSC 100 as soon as possible because, in addition to being a major requirement, it is a prerequisite for two of the PSC theory courses that could be selected to meet the non-ECO theory requirement, and it is the first in a series of courses required to take either of the PSC courses that a student could select in meeting the policy application requirement. 3) Follow the Mathematics sequence, completing or waiving MAT 115. This Mathematics course serves as a prerequisite for ECO 250 and required theory courses for Economics majors. Students interested in taking ECO 302 as their theory course must also complete or waive MAT 135 as early as possible because it is a prerequisite. Junior standing is preferred for ECO 310 and senior standing for ECO 410. Students may enroll in up to two program Internship experiences for a maximum of three credits. However, no more than one credit from Internships may be counted toward the major requirements.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy program standards for written and oral communication. For more about these standards, please see the Program’s website. Opportunities to do so are provided in a number of courses throughout the curriculum. The Program also requires that a majority of courses taken to satisfy major and minor degree requirements must be taken at Berea College.