Department of Economics

Welcome to the Department of Economics

The Department of Economics is part of the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University. We offer undergraduate programs in Economics, Mathematical Economics, Actuarial Science and Business Economics as well as a minor in Economics that works well with most any other program on campus.  We also offer a Master of Arts in Applied Economics that can be completed in as little as one calendar year.  Our undergraduate and graduate 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 for graduate study in economics.  Our students are also well prepared for the pursuit of professional careers in law, academics, financial planning, and others.  Our department houses the WKU Center for Applied Economics and the Center for the Study of Capitalism.  These centers are excellent examples of our efforts to create applied learning opportunities for our students and to contribute economic expertise to our regional communities.

Our faculty are highly qualified and well-trained Ph.D.'s from all over the country.  While we remain active in basic and applied research, we pride ourselves in maintaining a stimulating learning environment for our undergraduate and graduate students.  Inclusive faculty and student hallway debates on the appropriateness of a recent public policy change are common occurrences in our department.  The department has an implicit open-door policy so that students feel comfortable approaching the faculty for assistance, advising, and mentoring.

Our department is very active in promoting the Gordon Ford College of Business' Honors Program.  These courses allow WKU Honors College students the opportunity to take required business courses in a smaller, more interactive classroom environment.  Dr. Dennis Wilson is an Associate Professor of Economics and chairs the GFCB Honors Program.  If you are interested in the advantages of participating in GFCB Honors courses and events, please contact Dr. Dennis Wilson.

The Economics Department has a long history in offering faculty led Study Abroad programs.  In the recent past, we have offered study abroad courses in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and The Netherlands.  Faculty are currently developing programs for South Africa, Kenya, Belize, and Estonia.  Many other students of economics choose study abroad programs led by faculty of other institutions or choose to study for a semester at universities all over the world.  Dr. Daniel Myers is an Associate Professor of Economics and director of GFCB's Internationalization efforts.  Please contact Dr. Dan Myers if you are interested in more information about study abroad opportunities.

Our department sponsors two student organizations:  the WKU Economics Club and the Epsilon Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society for the Economics discipline.  The WKU Economics Club hosts recruiting events in the fall semester and holds regular meetings throughout the academic year.  The students and faculty advisors participate in philanthropic activities, including volunteering for the local Junior Achievement organization.  The club president serves on the Dean's Student Advisory Council and coordinates our club's efforts with the spring GFCB Career Day activities.  The club ends the year with an annual study away travel experience to a destination such as Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, St. Louis, and New York City.  Please contact Dr. Claudia Strow or Dr. Alex Lebedinsky for information about our Economics Club.  Our Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) chapter hosts an annual spring banquet which recognizes our most academically successful undergraduate and graduate students.  Invitations for membership are distributed in late February or early March each year.  Please let me know if you have any questions about ODE.