Applied Economics, Minor

Program Description

The minor in economics requires completion of 18 credit hours of coursework in economics. In addition to the introductory courses (ECON 102 and ECON 104), economics minors must complete 12 semester hours in economics elective courses at the 300/400 level. Note that at least 6 of those credit hours must be at the 400 level. The economics minor is a strong complement to virtually any major, including those within, and outside of, the School of Business. Since most School of Business majors will, as part of their major, already have earned 6 to 9 credits toward the economics minor, earning a minor in economics is particularly attractive for these students. The economics minor provides a general introduction to economic thought helping students better understand a variety of contemporary economic issues. The minor can enhance the market value of a major and can provide students with options and opportunities beyond those offered by the major program of study.

What is Applied Economics?

Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, and governments allocate their scarce resources. A foundation in economic thought and policy complements many degree programs in business and beyond.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You are a non-business major who is curious about how economic principles shape your major field of study.
• You are a business major who wants additional education in economics.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy	3
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy	3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from ECON courses		6
Select 6 credits of 400-level ECON courses		6

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Erie

Kerry Adzima, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
276 Burke
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6096
kak38@psu.edu

Career Paths

The minor in Applied Economics can be pursued by students in most Penn State Behrend degree programs. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.

Careers

Going beyond the required education in economics can make you a more competitive job candidate in any field.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Adding a specialized minor such as Applied Economics to a primary business, science, or liberal arts major program demonstrates to graduate programs your commitment to interdisciplinary thinking.

Contact

Erie

BLACK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
281 Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6107
behrendbusiness@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-business