Old Main
School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Economics

Watch Video
▶
 Request Info

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.

  • ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to macroeconomic theory, with emphasis on factors which explain changes in national income, unemployment and inflation. Other topics include money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, distribution of income and economic crises.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 365 - Econometrics

    ECON 365 - Econometrics

    4.00 credit hours

    This course provides exposure to the estimation and testing of economic models using statistical methods and appropriate empirical data. Emphasis is placed on model construction and the use of multiple linear regression for interpretation, analysis and forecasting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 400 - Intermediate Microeconomics

    ECON 400 - Intermediate Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    An economic analysis of consumers, firms, and markets. Consumer theory includes indifference curve analysis with applications related to a wide range of consumer behavior. Firm costs and revenue decisions are analyzed within the context of market structure and public policy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 405 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

    ECON 405 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Macroeconomic theory and policy at the intermediate level. Topics include measurement of aggregate variables, economic growth, and business cycles. Consumer behavior and firm production decisions are analyzed in their relation to the economy as a whole.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 450 - Economics Capstone Seminar

    ECON 450 - Economics Capstone Seminar

    2.00 credit hours

    The capstone course for economics majors includes advanced investigation of the ways in which economists approach and practice their craft. The course centers around a research project.

    Schedule Of Classes

    • Ten credit hours of ECON electives, at least eight of which are at the 300-level or above
  • BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and PSYC 250 may be taken for credit.

    Schedule Of Classes

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

  • ECON 370 - History of Economic Thought

    ECON 370 - History of Economic Thought

    4.00 credit hours

    An examination of economic thought with major concentration on the selected writings of economists from the mercantilists through the end of the 20th Century, such as Smith, Ricardo, Malthus, Marx, Veblen, Keynes and more recent schools of thought.

    Schedule Of Classes

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.

  • ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to macroeconomic theory, with emphasis on factors which explain changes in national income, unemployment and inflation. Other topics include money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, distribution of income and economic crises.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 365 - Econometrics

    ECON 365 - Econometrics

    4.00 credit hours

    This course provides exposure to the estimation and testing of economic models using statistical methods and appropriate empirical data. Emphasis is placed on model construction and the use of multiple linear regression for interpretation, analysis and forecasting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 400 - Intermediate Microeconomics

    ECON 400 - Intermediate Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    An economic analysis of consumers, firms, and markets. Consumer theory includes indifference curve analysis with applications related to a wide range of consumer behavior. Firm costs and revenue decisions are analyzed within the context of market structure and public policy.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 405 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

    ECON 405 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Macroeconomic theory and policy at the intermediate level. Topics include measurement of aggregate variables, economic growth, and business cycles. Consumer behavior and firm production decisions are analyzed in their relation to the economy as a whole.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 450 - Economics Capstone Seminar

    ECON 450 - Economics Capstone Seminar

    2.00 credit hours

    The capstone course for economics majors includes advanced investigation of the ways in which economists approach and practice their craft. The course centers around a research project.

    Schedule Of Classes

    • Ten credit hours of ECON electives, at least eight of which are at the 300-level or above
  • BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and PSYC 250 may be taken for credit.

    Schedule Of Classes

Note:

* PSYC 250 may be substituted for BUSN 265.

  • ECON 355 - Mathematical Economics

    ECON 355 - Mathematical Economics

    4.00 credit hours

    Focus on the application of mathematics to the theoretical aspects of economic analysis. Topics may include equilibrium analysis, comparative statics, optimization problems and dynamic analysis.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 151 - Calculus I

    MATH 151 - Calculus I

    4.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    MGMT 325 - Data Analytics

    4.00 credit hours

    Provides in-depth knowledge about quantitative data analysis methods in order to tackle business problems. Students gain hands-on experience through the data analysis process, starting from analyzing problems in order to identify data requirements and analysis needs, applying appropriate data analysis methods and interpreting results within the given context. Data analysis software such as spreadsheet, optimization and simulation programs are used to support the skill building within this course.

    Schedule Of Classes

Economics Minor

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

At least 20 credit hours in Economics, including:

Core Requirements

  • ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to macroeconomic theory, with emphasis on factors which explain changes in national income, unemployment and inflation. Other topics include money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, distribution of income and economic crises.

    Schedule Of Classes

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

Note:

BUSN 265  can count toward the economics elective hour requirement.

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.