| Field of Study: | Economics, General
International Relations and Affairs
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| Description: | Economics as a discipline is constructed around the need to identify agents in the economy and analyze their interactions. As such, it is based upon deriving generalizations by identifying behavioural rules and examining causal relationships between economic variables. The emphasis on examining causal relationships is a distinguishing feature of economics and forms an important part of its claim to be a social science. As well as addressing these central concerns, the Economics program recognizes the interaction between the economy and other broader social, political, cultural, and technological forces.
Economics is central to many of the major issues facing us today. Health care reform, job creation, global poverty reduction, the information economy, environmental sustainability, and world trade arrangements are all issues, which require a knowledge of Economics. Economics provides students with the education necessary to embark on rewarding careers. The degree program develops problem solving skills, analytical clarity, writing, and communication skills and numeracy. Because of the wide range issues that have economic importance, graduates have found employment in the private sector (with banks, for example and in the government sector).
Joint majors are designed for students interested in a combination of two related fields of study. They normally involve a specific set of course requirements selected to provide solid specialization in each of the two fields. The graduation requirements for a Joint Major can normally be met in four years of study. The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Major in Economics and Global and International Studies is 120 credit hours. |