Economics
Rotua Lumbantobing, Chair
lumbantobingr@wcsu.edu
Westside Classroom Building 306, Westside Campus
(203) 837-8457
Patricia Lerner, Department Secretary
lernerp@wcsu.edu
Warner Hall 224, Midtown Campus
(203) 837-8484
Faculty
| Rotua Lumbantobing, Chair | Oluwole Owoye | Zuohong Pan |
Mission
The B.A. in Economics program helps students understand how individuals, businesses, and societies make choices—and how those choices affect economic outcomes. With a focus on both efficiency and equity, the program explores topics such as income inequality, discrimination, and the role of public policy in shaping economic opportunity. Students learn to analyze these issues through an economic lens, gaining tools to assess the impact of redistribution, regulation, and market performance. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition at Western, the curriculum fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broad understanding of diverse perspectives. Graduates are prepared to become informed professionals and engaged citizens, ready to lead and contribute in an increasingly global and interconnected world.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of their studies, Economics majors will be able to demonstrate:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of core economic theories, principles, and concepts.
- Apply appropriate research methods and analytical tools used in economic inquiry.
- Employ economic reasoning to evaluate real-world issues and inform decision-making.
- Effectively locate, evaluate, and apply information and digital tools—including emerging technologies like data analytics software and AI—in economic analysis.
Degree Programs in Economics
Minors
Economics
BA Economics
Description: The BA in Economics program equips students to understand the world through an economic lens—an increasingly valuable perspective in a time of rising inflation, shifting labor markets, global supply chain disruptions, and debates over climate and economic policy. Students gain a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and decision-making, while exploring how economic forces shape business, government, and society. The program offers the rigor needed for graduate study and the versatility to pursue careers in law, finance, public policy, international affairs, and more. It’s an ideal path for students who want both intellectual depth and broad career options.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 39 Semester Hours.
| ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 SH |
| ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 SH |
| ECO 318 Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 SH |
| ECO 319 Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 SH |
| SS 201 Researching Social Issues | 3 SH |
| SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 SH |
| SS 400 Senior Research Thesis OR ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research (Students must contact their faculty advisor one semester prior to registering for this course). | 3 SH |
| Major Electives: Select any six economics courses 200 level or above. | 18 SH |
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | |
| MAT 181 Calculus I OR MAT 118/118E Elementary Applied Mathematics | 3-4 SH |
| Students must earn a C (2.0) or better SS 201, 300, and 400, and 2.0 in the major. | |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in Economics = 2.0. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Economics
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your faculty advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| MAT 181 Calc OR MAT 118/118E Elementary Applied Math | 3 | ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric* | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities** | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities** | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics OR ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | ECO 318 Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| SS 201 Researching Social Issues OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective | 3 | ECO 200-400 Level Elective 2 | 3 |
| ECO 200-400 Level Elective 1 | 4 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| ECO 200-400 Level Elective 3 | 3 | ECO 200-400 Level Elective 4 | 3 |
| ECO 319 Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 | ECO 200-400 Level Elective 5 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | SS 300 Quant. Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| SS 400 Senior Thesis Research Seminar/ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research OR Elective | 3 | SS 400 Senior Thesis Research Seminar/ECO 450 Seminar in Economics Research OR Elective | 3 |
| ECO 200-400 Level Elective 6 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| Students must earn a C (2.0) or better SS 201, 300, and 400, and 2.0 in the major. | |||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Economics = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*May be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement. Students who have completed this requirement in high school are not required to complete a foreign language requirement. However, for students in Economics, we strongly suggest that you consider exploring an additional foreign language or advancing your skills in the language studied in high school.
Description: The Economics minor adds depth and flexibility to any major by building strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It introduces students to the core principles of economic thinking—how people, businesses, and governments make decisions—and applies those tools to real-world issues. This minor brings intellectual rigor and versatility to fields like business, political science, environmental studies, and data science, giving students a competitive edge in both graduate studies and the job market.
The minor requires two foundational courses—Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics—followed by four approved economics electives (200-level or above). This structure allows students to build a strong grasp of core economic concepts while tailoring the minor to their interests, whether in areas like public policy, international trade, labor economics, or environmental issues. The emphasis throughout is on analytical thinking, data interpretation, and practical application.
Required Courses: 6 SH
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics
Four (4) Approved Economic Electives (all of which must be 200-level or above) 12 SH