Economics
The Economics Department is dedicated to close student-faculty interaction that develops our students’ critical and creative thinking skills and helps prepare them for meaningful lives and successful careers. Students may major or minor in Economics. Economics majors choose from five courses of study:
- General Economics. For students with broad interests in economics who desire the maximum degree of freedom in course choices.
- Environmental Economics. For students who wish to investigate economic issues and policies in relation to the environment and natural resources.
- International Economics. For students who wish to explore the international dimensions of economies in relation to political developments.
- Monetary Economics and Finance. For a better understanding of the monetary and financial aspects of the economy.
- Economics with Teacher Licensure. For students who seek careers in secondary education.
Program of Study
Each course of study requires 34 hours in the major plus 7 to 15 hours outside of the major. This leaves plenty of room to pursue other academic interests, participate in campus life, and prepare for the job market or professional school. Though each course of study has a different emphasis, all prepare students for success in the business, government and nonprofit sectors and for excellence in graduate and professional school.
The minor in Economics requires 18 hours in the major and none outside it. Of the 18 hours, 12 are elective, providing students the flexibility needed to create programs of study consistent with their academic and career objectives.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Our graduates are highly regarded and have pursued a wide range of careers, including the financial sector, manufacturing and small business, and state, local and federal government. Wachovia, Merrill Lynch, Research Triangle Institute, AT&T, U.S. Department of Commerce and the state of North Carolina are just a few of the organizations that have hired our graduates. Many of our graduates have gone on to graduate school in economics and professional school in business and law, including Duke, Vanderbilt and the Universities of Michigan, Virginia and Washington. UNC Asheville’s Department of Economics has an excellent relationship with the UNC Greensboro Economics Department, which by some ratings has one of the top master’s programs in the United States.
Faculty
Our faculty is well trained, with Ph.D.s from highly respected programs at the Universities of Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Diverse academic interests include women’s studies, ethics and social institutions, personal investing and the economics of sports. Our personal interests are diverse as well, ranging from basketball and kayaking to gardening and singing.
We are dedicated to working closely with our students in and out of the classroom and to helping our students achieve their educational career objectives. For example, all our students undertake research projects under faculty supervision, and a number of these projects have been published in professional journals. We offer one-on-one counseling on careers and professional schools, and on occasion we have helped students find meaningful employment after graduation.
Though working with our students is our highest priority, we publish in areas related to our teaching responsibilities and are active in community service. We have received many awards recognizing our teaching, research and service.
Scholarships, Awards and Student Organizations
We recognize the academic excellence and civic-mindedness of our students through memberships in the national honorary society for economics (Omicron Delta Epsilon), scholarships and awards. Scholarships are based on performance, need, service or some combination. We offer varying amounts of assistance each year, with past scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000. The department prestents six academic and service awards at the year-end annual Academic and Leadership Awards Celebration, which each carry a $200 stipend. The student-run Economics Club is quite active, sponsoring speakers and developing programs throughout the academic year. It also assists charitable organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
More Information
Economics Department
152 Karpen Hall, CPO #2110
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8509
828.251.6550