Bachelors of Business - Economics

Program Overview

The Economics concentration within Franklin College's Bachelor of Business program is designed to provide a deep understanding of economic theories, principles, and policies. It focuses on developing students' ability to analyze and solve complex economic problems, whether at a micro (individual and firm behavior) or macro (national and global economies) level. The program emphasizes the development of quantitative and analytical skills, which are crucial for interpreting economic data and forecasting trends. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and practical applications, students are prepared to navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing global economic landscape. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and logical reasoning, essential traits for any economist or business professional.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the Bachelor of Business - Economics is comprehensive, blending a strong foundation in core business principles with specialized economics coursework. Students will engage with foundational business courses encompassing accounting, management, marketing, and finance. The economics-specific courses delve into areas such as Principles of Economics (Micro and Macro), Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. Econometrics, in particular, emphasizes the quantitative analysis of economic data, providing students with practical skills in statistical modeling. The program also integrates applied learning through case studies and projects, allowing students to apply economic theories to real-world business challenges. This practical approach ensures graduates are well-versed in both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of economics.

Research Focus: While the primary objective of an undergraduate economics program is to provide a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, Franklin College's curriculum implicitly fosters a "research focus" through its emphasis on data analysis, quantitative methods, and problem-solving. Courses like Econometrics are central to this, as they equip students with the tools to conduct empirical research, analyze economic data, and test hypotheses. The program encourages students to apply economic models to understand real-life business challenges, which can involve elements of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The senior capstone experience, such as the Strategic Implementation Project for business majors, often involves teams tackling real-world business problems, requiring them to synthesize economic principles, conduct relevant analysis, and present data-driven solutions. This hands-on approach cultivates research-like skills essential for economic analysis.

Industry Engagement: Franklin College places a high priority on industry engagement to ensure its economics graduates are well-prepared for professional careers. A mandatory internship is required for all business majors, and students are often encouraged to complete multiple internships, particularly during the Immersive Term or summer breaks. These internships provide invaluable supervised professional training in real-world settings, allowing students to apply their economic knowledge, gain practical experience, and build professional networks. The college's faculty, many of whom have professional experience, are well-connected with employers and actively facilitate internship opportunities. Furthermore, business and economics clubs, along with on-campus events featuring business leaders, offer additional avenues for students to develop their professionalism and interact directly with industry professionals.

Global Perspective: The study of economics inherently involves a global perspective, as economic systems, trade, and financial markets are increasingly interconnected worldwide. The Bachelor of Business - Economics program at Franklin College aims to prepare graduates to "respond to a rapidly changing global economic situation." Franklin College actively promotes global education through various study-away opportunities, including month-long Immersive Term study-away courses and semester-long programs at partner universities around the globe. While specific global economics courses might not be explicitly detailed, these institutional initiatives allow students to gain firsthand exposure to international economic environments, diverse cultural business practices, and global policy challenges. This global engagement broadens their understanding of international trade, finance, and development, preparing them for an interconnected professional world.