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School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Economics

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Why pursue an economics degree at North Central College?

Economists are highly numeric individuals involved in researching and analyzing data, producing forecasts, and presenting reports to clients. Economists hold widely transferrable analytic and problem-solving skills which boost employability in a variety of jobs and industries like local and national government, banking, insurance and more.

At North Central, you’ll work closely with faculty to develop not only your quantitative skills but also reasoning and decision-making skills. You will discover how best to draw conclusions from data, evaluating theories that affect public policy and market forces. This training will serve you well in careers such as economist, financial risk analyst, data analyst and economic researcher. As a thoughtful decision maker your economic skillset will always be in demand.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Researching and analyzing economic data, issues and trends
  • Producing economic forecasts and reports
  • Advising clients on policy or business strategy

then a degree in ECONOMICS might be for you.

Why study economics at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Econometrics
  • Economic growth and development
  • Environmental economics
  • History of economic thought
  • Industrial structure and public policy
  • International economics
  • Labor economics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Math economics
  • Microeconomics
  • Money and banking
  • Sports economics

Beyond the Classroom

As an economics major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Join student organizations like the Invisible Hand Economics Club, which arranges networking events and guest speakers.
  • Visit the nearby Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board Options Exchange and Federal Reserve.
  • Work with local schools through the Center for Financial Literacy.
  • Research your interests alongside faculty and present your findings on campus or at national conferences.

More Department information

Economics, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is most appropriate for students planning to seek general business careers or entry-level government positions.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Economics and Finance.

Note:

* PSYC 250 may be substituted for BUSN 265.

Foreign Language

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Economics Course

Economics, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is most appropriate for students planning to seek careers which demand a quantitative focus, or who intend to pursue graduate study. The B.S. degree is often paired with a minor in math.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Economics and Finance.

Note:

* PSYC 250, MATH 340 or MATH 360 may be substituted for BUSN 265.

Note:

**MATH 450 may be substituted for MGMT 325.

Economics Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Economics and Finance.

At least 20 credit hours in Economics, including:

Core Requirements

Electives

One of the following:

  • ECON 365 - Econometrics
  • ECON 400 - Intermediate Microeconomics
  • ECON 405 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

-AND-

  • Eight additional credit hours in Economics, with at least 6 credit hours at the 300-level or higher

Economics Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in economics have served as:

  • Research analyst, Waddell and Reed, Naperville
  • Public Finance Intern, Robert W. Baird and Company
  • Intern, Professional Liability Area, USLI Insurance
  • Retirement planning, Northwestern Mutual, Lombard, Ill.
  • Intern, finance department, OfficeMax, Naperville
  • Intern, Siegfried Investment Fund, LLC
  • Chicago climate exchange regulatory extern, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Chicago
  • Intern, International Credit Risk Management, Northern Trust

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in economics have been accepted at:

  • Clemson University
  • Depaul University
  • Indiana University School of Law
  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  • Marquette University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Oregon
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Valparaiso University
  • Vanderbilt University

Careers

Recent graduates in economics include:

  • Consultant, NFP Insurance Solutions
  • Market Intelligence Analyst, Portland Cement Association
  • Financial Analyst, Gallagher Bassett
  • Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Spahn Financial 
  • Data Analytics Specialist, MB Financial 

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.