Department of Economics

Welcome

The Department of Economics is part of the Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University. We offer a major and minor program in economics and a major in business economics. Our course programs are designed to give the student a solid background in general economics plus some exposure to specialized areas. We believe that our students receive excellent preparation for employment in a wide variety of jobs in business and government service, as well as preparatory training of economics at the graduate level, or the pursuit of professional careers in law, teaching, financial planning, and others.

What is Economics?

Economics is a way of thinking analytically; a lesson in logic and evidence. People who know economics “see” things in a different light. Economics is about...

• Analyzing benefits and costs when making choices
• How incentives matter
• Recognizing tradeoffs
• How market forces function and the implications of government intervention
• Separating hunches from facts
• Understanding how an economy works.

A degree in economics or business economics provides the holder with many critical analytical skills demanded by for-profit and nonprofit institutions. An economics degree is both versatile and multifaceted and is in demand in a wide variety of occupations from business to government to teaching. The degree also includes global dimensions that are of increasing importance in today’s diverse society.