B.A. in Anthropology
The University of South Carolina offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program...
B.A. in Economics
Columbia, South Carolina
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics program at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers students a comprehensive understanding of economic theory, principles, and applications, preparing them for diverse careers in business, finance, government, academia, and beyond. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics program at the University of South Carolina provides students with a rigorous and interdisciplinary education in economic theory, analysis, and policy, preparing them for successful and impactful careers in a variety of fields. With its focus on critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and practical application, the program equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to thrive in today's dynamic and interconnected global economy. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies in economics, pursue careers in business and finance, work in government or international organizations, or contribute to economic research and policy analysis.
Core Curriculum: The B.A. in Economics program begins with a core curriculum that covers fundamental concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods. Students learn about supply and demand, market structures, consumer behavior, production theory, national income determination, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and economic modeling.
Microeconomic Analysis: The program provides students with a deep understanding of microeconomic theory and analysis, focusing on individual economic decision-making, market interactions, and resource allocation. Students study topics such as price determination, market efficiency, welfare economics, consumer choice theory, production theory, and market structures (perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition).
Macroeconomic Analysis: Students explore macroeconomic theory and analysis, examining aggregate economic phenomena such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment, business cycles, and international trade. They learn about national income accounting, aggregate demand and supply, fiscal policy tools (taxation, government spending), monetary policy tools (money supply, interest rates), and economic stabilization policies.
Econometrics: The program introduces students to econometric methods and techniques for empirical economic analysis. Students learn how to collect, organize, and analyze economic data using statistical software, interpret regression results, and test hypotheses. They gain skills in regression analysis, time series analysis, panel data analysis, and causal inference methods.
Quantitative Methods: Students develop strong quantitative skills through coursework in mathematics, statistics, and calculus. They learn how to apply mathematical and statistical tools to economic problems, such as optimization, differential calculus, integral calculus, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and mathematical modeling.
Applied Economics: The program offers courses in applied economics, where students apply economic theory and quantitative methods to real-world issues and policy problems. Topics may include labor economics, environmental economics, health economics, urban economics, development economics, public finance, and international economics.
Economic Policy Analysis: Students learn how to analyze and evaluate economic policies, regulations, and interventions implemented by governments, central banks, and international organizations. They examine the economic impact of policy measures on individuals, businesses, and society, and assess policy effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.
Economic History and Thought: The program provides students with a historical perspective on economic theory and thought, tracing the evolution of economic ideas from classical economics to modern schools of thought. Students study influential economists, theories of value, distribution, growth, and economic systems (capitalism, socialism, mixed economy).
International Economics: Students explore international trade and finance theory, analyzing patterns of trade, determinants of comparative advantage, trade policies, exchange rate determination, balance of payments, and international financial markets. They examine the benefits and costs of globalization, trade agreements, and currency regimes.
Capstone Project or Seminar: In their senior year, students typically complete a capstone project, seminar, or research paper that integrates and applies their knowledge of economics to a specific topic or issue of interest. They conduct independent research, analyze data, and present their findings in written and oral formats.
Internships and Experiential Learning: The University of South Carolina encourages students to gain practical experience through internships, cooperative education programs, or research opportunities with faculty members, government agencies, research institutes, or private sector organizations. Students apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings, develop professional skills, and build professional networks.
Career Preparation and Placement: The B.A. in Economics program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in business, finance, government, research, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Career services at the University of South Carolina offer resources, workshops, and counseling to help students with resume writing, job searching, interviewing, and career planning. The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in rewarding and fulfilling positions in various sectors of the economy.
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 35034
Entry requirements for Undergraduate programs
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are typically required to present strong academic qualifications, typically falling within the range of 80% to 86%. This criterion evaluates the applicant's academic performance in their secondary education or equivalent. Admissions committees review transcripts and academic records to assess the applicant's overall academic ability and achievement.
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English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 6.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 77 (iBT).
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score of 54.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
The University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers a range of scholarships to support international students in pursuing their academic goals and achieving success. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from around the world and provide them with financial assistance to pursue their education at UofSC. The University of South Carolina is dedicated to supporting the academic success and personal development of its international student community through a variety of scholarship opportunities. By providing financial assistance and other forms of support, UofSC aims to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive and excel in their academic pursuits.
International Student Scholarships: UofSC offers various merit-based scholarships specifically for international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amount of the scholarship may vary depending on the student's qualifications and available funding.
Global Carolina Scholarships: The Global Carolina Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding. Recipients of this scholarship receive financial support to cover tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships provide international graduate students with opportunities to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their graduate studies at UofSC. These assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative duties and typically come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and sometimes health insurance coverage.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UofSC offer scholarships specifically for international students enrolled in their programs. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, field of study, or other criteria determined by the department. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for scholarship opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: UofSC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As part of this commitment, the university offers scholarships to support underrepresented and diverse student populations, including international students. These scholarships aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics program at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) are well-positioned for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in various sectors of the economy. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics program at the University of South Carolina prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in business, finance, government, research, academia, and nonprofit organizations. With its emphasis on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and quantitative analysis, the program equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to succeed in today's competitive and dynamic job market. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to make valuable contributions to organizations, industries, and communities, and to pursue fulfilling and impactful careers that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Financial Analyst: Graduates may pursue roles as financial analysts, analyzing financial data, market trends, and economic indicators to provide investment recommendations to individuals, corporations, or investment firms. They evaluate the performance of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments and assess risk-return profiles to make informed investment decisions.
Economic Consultant: Graduates can work as economic consultants, providing economic analysis and advice to businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or international organizations. They conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports on economic issues such as market trends, industry analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and regulatory impact assessment.
Policy Analyst: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, working for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, or research institutes. They analyze public policies, legislation, and regulations affecting various sectors of the economy and assess their economic impact, efficiency, and effectiveness. They provide recommendations to policymakers on issues such as taxation, healthcare, education, and environmental policy.
Data Analyst: Graduates with strong quantitative skills can work as data analysts, collecting, organizing, and analyzing large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making processes. They use statistical software, programming languages, and data visualization tools to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in economic data and develop predictive models.
Business Analyst: Graduates can pursue roles as business analysts, working for corporations, consulting firms, or market research companies. They analyze market trends, consumer behavior, competitive landscapes, and industry dynamics to help businesses make strategic decisions, develop business plans, and identify growth opportunities.
Government Economist: Graduates may work as government economists for federal, state, or local government agencies, conducting economic research, forecasting economic trends, and advising policymakers on economic policy issues. They analyze labor market trends, inflation rates, GDP growth, and other economic indicators to inform policy decisions related to fiscal policy, monetary policy, and regulatory reform.
Financial Planner: Graduates can become financial planners, helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals by providing advice on budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and risk management. They assess clients' financial situations, develop personalized financial plans, and recommend investment strategies tailored to their needs and objectives.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates may work as market research analysts, conducting market research studies to assess consumer preferences, market demand, competitive landscapes, and industry trends. They collect and analyze data using surveys, interviews, focus groups, and statistical analysis techniques to help businesses make informed marketing decisions and develop effective marketing strategies.
International Trade Specialist: Graduates with a focus on international economics can work as international trade specialists, helping businesses navigate global markets, trade regulations, and international trade agreements. They analyze trade policies, tariffs, and exchange rate fluctuations, assess market entry strategies, and identify export opportunities for businesses seeking to expand their international presence.
Academic Researcher: Graduates interested in pursuing advanced studies in economics can work as academic researchers or pursue doctoral degrees in economics. They conduct original research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to the advancement of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy debate in academia and research institutions.
Nonprofit Analyst: Graduates may work for nonprofit organizations, foundations, or philanthropic institutions, analyzing economic trends, social issues, and policy solutions to address poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, and other societal challenges. They assess the effectiveness of nonprofit programs, conduct impact evaluations, and advocate for evidence-based policies and interventions.
Entrepreneurship: Some graduates may choose to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses or consulting firms, leveraging their economics knowledge and analytical skills to identify market opportunities, develop business models, and create value in the marketplace. They may specialize in areas such as market research, financial analysis, economic consulting, or data analytics.
