Question 1:  Why should I major in Economics and or Finance?

The BS in the Economics program has two options in the discipline – one in Business Economics and the other in General Economics.  In the Business Economics option, students receive a strong exposure to Accounting and other business management areas.  In the General Economics option, students have a number of electives to explore other areas.  For example, the department maintains a curriculum guide for a pre-law concentration.  Other possible concentrations are in such areas as public policy, political science and journalism.  The 30 major hours in the discipline provide excellence and sound preparation for graduate studies.

Majors in Finance receive rigorous analytical training to develop skills that will allow them to do critical business performance evaluation, analyze business financial conditions and give advice on the best uses of finance resources.  Courses include accounting, information systems, economics, and communications together with finance.  Finance majors are expected to be able to communicate effectively using a strong analytical foundation.

Question 2:  What are the immediate skills and career opportunities which make a major from the Economics and Finance department attractive?

Our economics majors are prepared for careers in business and in government.  Because of their rigorous training and critical thinking skills, economics majors are in high demand in all sectors of the economy.  Examples of career options are:

Similarly, our majors in Finance have truly outstanding opportunities at this time of uncertainty – which brings unprecedented opportunities, and career paths.  Outstanding finance majors can expect increased job opportunities in both the public and private sector.  Those who pursue graduate education will be soundly prepared to return and to have an impact in their organizations and communities for the foreseeable future with careers in:

Question 3:  What are some of the options available if an Economics or Finance major goes on to graduate school?

The economics undergraduate major is very flexible and among the best preparations for graduate school in many fields.  Students majoring in economics are likely to pursue graduate degrees in economics and thereafter work or provide leadership for such enterprises as corporations, banks, government and their agencies at every level (local, state and federal), and other regulatory agencies like the Federal Reserve System.  They also frequently pursue graduate degrees in business (MBA) and law, or go on to obtain the PhD and add academic careers to all of the other options.  The department is actively engaged with the American Economics Association and its summer programs at Duke University.  This summer program provides additional preparation to a limited number of our students who are interested in pursuing graduate economics training – especially at the PhD level. (See www.econ.duke.edu/aeaspl for more information).

Similarly, options exist for majors in Finance.  They are among the key professionals who address financial challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.  All levels of government are likely to continue to address new issues and challenges, and financial institutions that are to remake their business and rebuild their brands all combined to make this major an exciting one.

Question 4: What are some of the options that are available if an conomics major goes on to graduate school?

The economics undergraduate major is very flexible and among the best preparations for graduate school in many fields. Students majoring in economics are likely to pursue graduate degrees in economics, and thereafter work or provide leadership for such enterprises as corporations, banks, government and their agencies at every level (local, state, and federal), and other regulatory agencies like the Federal Reserve System. They also frequently pursue graduate degrees in business (MBA), law, or go on to obtain the PhD and add academic careers to all of the other options. The department is actively engaged with the American Economics Association and its summer program at Duke University. This summer program provides additional preparation to a limited number of students who are interested in pursuing graduate economics training – especially at the PhD level. (See www.econ.duke.edu/aeasp for more information).

Similarly options exist for majors in transportation & SCM. They are among the key professionals who address transportation and delivery challenges in an increasingly interconnected world and in societies which are becoming internally more uniform through the delivery of goods and services wherever the demand arises.

Question 5:  Does the department provide academic support and encouragement for students who want to take one of the department’s programs while double majoring?

Yes.  The department provides academic support and encouragement for students who want to do a double major.  We follow the University guidelines for completion of double majors, and are sensitive to the special demands which are placed on those students who are so enterprising and committed that they pursue a double major.

Question 6:  Are there scholarship opportunities available for majors in Economics and Finance?

The School of Business and Economics makes scholarship opportunities available to high achieving students in all disciplines.  In addition, there are opportunities that are earmarked for high achieving students in Economics and Finance.  Please feel free to contact the department with any additional questions about this matter.

Question 7:  Are there any special arrangements to ensure that students are involved and well known in the department?

In the department, there is an open door policy to the department chair.  In addition, faculty members adhere strictly to their schedule of office hours.  Further, the department is very proud of the student clubs that are maintained here, and the diligence with which the faculty advisors undertake their responsibilities.  In economics, we maintain the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society and the Aggie Economics Association.Dr. D.K. Jeong is the faculty advisor.

There are two student organizations in finance: Financial Management Association (FMA) and the Young Investors Club under the leadership of Dr. Robert Howard.  Here is a description of each.

Financial Management Association

The Financial Management Association (FMA) is a global leader in developing and disseminating knowledge about financial decision making. The mission of the FMA is to broaden the common interests between academicians and practitioners, provide opportunities for professional interaction between and among academicians, practitioners and students, promote the development and understanding of basic and applied research and of sound financial practices, and to enhance the quality of education in finance.

FMA's members include finance practitioners and academicians and students who are interested in the techniques and advances which define the field of finance.

Young Investors Club

The Young Investors Club helps students gain basic knowledge on investments in stocks, bonds, option trading, closed end funds, and mutual funds.  The club meets once each week and discusses on all types of investments.

 

Question 8:  How do I sign up to become a major in the department?

The university admissions office maintains a set of information that allows students to seek and obtain necessary information, and to choose a major.  The direct links to these forms follow, and you can obtain your answers by clicking on these links.
http://www.ncat.edu/~registra/req.html
http://www.ncat.edu/~registra/major.htm

Question 9:  How may I easily contact the department of Economics and Finances?

You may contact this department in several ways:

Write to:

Dr. Jeffrey A. Edwards, Chairperson
Department of Economics and Finance
North Carolina A&T State University
225 Merrick Hall
School of Business and Economics
Greensboro, NC 27411
Telephone: 336-334-7744 Ext. 2000
Email: jaedwar2@ncat.edu
Fax: 336-256-2055