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Economics Major (BA)

George Fox economics majors study at a top Christian college.

ALSO OFFERED AS A MINOR

Preparation for a Career in a Variety of Sectors 

With an economics degree from George Fox University, you will be equipped for a career in the business, government, nonprofit or education sectors. The economics major is ideal for those anticipating graduate study in law, business administration, public policy, public administration or economics.

Addressing Choices and Behavior of Individuals, Firms and Industries

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies strive to meet their material wants and needs. As a social science, it is fundamentally concerned with improving human welfare. It draws upon philosophy, mathematics, history and other social sciences in order to address:

  • Individual and household choice making
  • The behavior of firms and industries
  • The allocative and regulatory roles of government
  • Many of humanity's most pressing challenges, from escaping poverty to environmental degradation

What Distinguishes the Study of Economics at George Fox

  • A Christian commitment to the good life and human flourishing serves as an intellectual foundation for the analysis of economic issues.
  • Small classes allow you to develop meaningful relationships with your professors and fellow students.
  • A focus on experential learning is paramount. Outside of the classroom, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research with professors, study abroad or get academic credit for an internship.
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Major Requirements

Complete the following:

Statistical procedures with applications in management and economics. Emphasis on the development of a basic knowledge of the statistical tools available for analysis of problems and decision making. Prerequisites: MATH 180 College Algebra or higher math course, or an SAT math score of 620 or higher or an ACT score of 28 or higher.
Influential thinkers from Moses to Marx have sought to understand and overcome the problem of scarcity in surprising and radical ways. In this class students will learn about ways in which individuals and groups have used these ideas to shape the economy around them. Students will explore the work of secular and Christian thinkers as they seek to understand how to flourish as consumers, workers, and citizens in the modern world.
An introduction to the macro aspects of the social science concerned with the allocation of resources. Consideration is given to the fundamental principles of the economy as a whole, dealing with economic data, behavior, and theory at the aggregate level of the economy. The course studies topics such as government spending, taxation, and monetary policies, as well as events and issues in the global economy. ECON 211 and ECON 212 are complementary courses; however, it is preferred that ECON 211 be taken first.
An introduction to the micro aspects of the social science concerned with the allocation of resources. Consideration is given to the fundamental principles governing production, distribution, consumption, and exchange of wealth. The course studies the behavior of microeconomic units such as individuals, households, firms, and industries. ECON 211 and ECON 212 are complementary courses; however, it is preferred that ECON 211 be taken first. Prerequisites: Students must have completed MATH 180 College Algebra or higher math course, or an SAT math score of 620 or higher or an ACT score of 28 or higher.
The course studies the economy as a whole by examining the national income account, monetary policy and its aggregates such as money supply, price level, and interest rates, and fiscal policy and its aggregates such as real income, consumption, and investment. It covers topics presented in ECON 211 in a more advanced manner. The course will analyze the economy in the long run when prices are flexible, in the very long run with a special emphasis on capital accumulation, and in the short run when prices are sticky. It also discusses the microeconomics behind macroeconomics by analyzing the aggregate consumption function in more detail. Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics and MATH 190 Pre-Calculus or higher.
This course focuses on the following topics: basic theory of consumer behavior; production and costs; partial equilibrium analysis of pricing in competitive and monopolistic markets; general equilibrium; welfare; and externalities. The approach involves advanced algebra and rigorous application of concepts and methods to the analysis of markets from a decision making perspective. While required for economics majors this course is also valuable for student majoring in finance and management. Prerequisites: ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics and MATH 190 Precalculus or higher.
This course deals with the application of statistical techniques to the analysis of economic data. Economists, financial analysts and others rely on econometric methods to estimate relationships and forecast employment, income and other trends. This course emphasizes hands-on application of econometric techniques to a variety of publicly available data. Considerable attention will be paid to the nature and sources of economic data and the application of econometric methods to common questions of value to managers and public decision-makers. Prerequisites: College level statistics course 200 level or higher. Students who've taken PSYC 240 or SOCI 340 must also complete MATH 150 or higher, or have a SAT math score of 620 or higher or have an ACT score of 28 or higher.
An integrative seminar focusing on current issues and developments in the discipline of economics, including discussion of ethical issues and the integration of faith and economics. A research paper is a significant component of the course requirements.

Choose 12 semester hours from the following courses:

This course introduces students to causes and consequences of 'the wealth of nations.' Students will learn theories of economic growth and poverty alleviation. Topics to be covered include: globalization, education, international trade, holistic conceptions of development, and the role of institutions. (Identical to INTL 370 and SOCI 370.) Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics
This course introduces students to the particular economic challenges and opportunities faced by rural areas, towns, and cities within the United States. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the market, firms,and government as local areas seek to improve the well-being they afford their citizens. Particular attention will be paid to transportation, affordable housing, natural amenities and other contemporary topics. Prerequisite: ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics
Course provides an overview of international trade and finance. Trade theory is applied to understanding the direction of trade flows, the impact of trade barriers, and the role of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. The international finance portion of the course will consider the balance of payments, foreign exchange rates, and the globalization of financial markets. Throughout the course attention will be paid to global and national institutional arrangements which determine and influence trade and financial flows. Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics.
Occasional special courses chosen to fit the interests and needs of students and faculty.
This is an exploration of financial markets and institutions. The course will examine the role of depository institutions, insurance companies, investment banks and other financial intermediaries in the global economy. Topics include recent developments in financial markets and in the regulatory environment of these markets and institutions. Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics, ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics and FINC 260 Business Finance.

Choose one of the following:

A practical application of personal financial management and an introduction to the field of financial planning. Topics include money history, stewardship, budgets, loans, spending, housing, insurance, investments, and retirement. Prerequisite: Business and economics majors only.
The class is a study of limits limits of functions, applications of derivatives, and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 190 Precalculus Mathematics or equivalent.
A study of differential and integral calculus for functions of one variable. Additional topics include polar coordinates, infinite series, and parametric equations. Prerequisite: MATH 201 Calculus I.
This course is an extension of MATH 201 and 202 Calculus I and II to functions of more than one variable. Topics include vectors, vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, and multiple integration. Prerequisite: MATH 202 Calculus II.
A study of the theory, methods of solution, and applications of ordinary differential equations and the techniques of linear algebra necessary to accomplish that study. Prerequisite: MATH 202 Calculus II.
A study of matrices and their properties and application, linear transformations, and vector spaces. Prerequisites: MATH 310 Differential Equations with Linear Algebra.
The origins, evolution, structure, and present functions of state, county, and city government, with particular reference to Oregon. Special attention is given to the rising problems of urban government and regional planning.
A survey of the major developments in U.S. political theory from the Puritans to the present. The relationship between Christianity and American political theory is given special attention. (Identical to HIST 300 and PHIL 300.)
Examines the nature, causes, and consequences of inequality in society. An understanding of how social resources are distributed, and the resulting distribution of life chances, is central to understanding the fundamental bases of social order and social organization. This course takes a sociological approach to the study of inequality in which we argue that inequality is a characteristic of societies, not individuals.
Theology and Philosophy are vibrant and dynamic fields of study, with profound implications not only for communities of faith but also for the study of politics, literary studies, philosophy, history, and popular culture. This advanced course will focus on contemporary issues relevant to the research interests and specialties of George Fox University faculty in theology and philosophy and will offer an opportunity for students and faculty to collaborate in the dual process of research and personal transformation. Specific topics rotate, and the course can be taken more than once with different topics. Prerequisite: THEO 202 Theology I, THEO 250 Introduction to Philosophy or THEO 302 Theology II.

Complete 3 semester hours in one of the following:

Students will conduct an original research project that is overseen by a faculty member or approved party outside of the University. Prerequisites: upper division economics majors and by permission.
Supervised experiences in business, financial and research firms, and government agencies. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: upper-division students and by permission.

Jobs and Graduate School

Economics majors at George Fox integrate the Christian faith with their studies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the job market for economists is expected to grow 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. Because of the strong quantitative skills developed, economists find employment across a wide spectrum of fields, ranging from banking and finance to research and teaching.

Those with a master’s degree or PhD will likely stand out from their competitors and should receive offers for the most desirable job opportunities. 

  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Economic development
  • Government agencies
  • Consulting
  • Insurance
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Financial Analyst, Nike
  • Senior Business Finance Analyst, Intel
  • Senior Financial Analyst, Microsoft
  • VP, Credit Administration, Bank of the Cascades
  • Sales Executive, KPD Insurance
  • Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services
  • Program Operations Manager, AECOM (Libya)
  • Program Associate, United Nations Office on Drug and Crime
  • Financial Representative, Country Financial
  • Credit Manager of Strategic Client Group, Washington Mutual
  • Professor of Economics, Olivet Nazarene University
  • Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Portland Branch)
  • Federal Reserve Bank (Washington, D.C.)
  • Economics High School Teacher
  • Account Manager, Pacific Capital Resource Group
  • Finance Faculty, Linfield College
  • University of Illinois
  • Oregon State University
  • City, University of London
  • Colorado State University
  • London School of Economics
  • University of New Orleans
  • Cornell University
  • UCLA
  • Emory University
  • Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services
  • Malaysian Government office
  • Department of Commerce (Washington D.C.)
  • United States International Trade Commission
  • Consulting for Victoria’s Lavender on pricing policies
  • Economics instruction at Hillsboro High School
  • Study abroad at Oxford
  • Students can attend multiple speaking events featuring Nobel Prize winning economists
  • FINCA, Quito, Equador
  • Economic Impact Studies for Regional Partners

Student Experiences

Imani Kamau ('17)

“Studying economics through a Christian lens has facilitated the acquisition of tools that have helped me conceptually and quantitatively analyze economic conditions in the world, as well as fueled my passion to develop sustainable and equitable solutions to the socioeconomic challenges Kenya and similar African countries face.”

- Imani Kamau ('17)
Graduate Student, London School of Economics

Luke Petach ('14)

"The economics major at George Fox helped me develop both the analytic tools and the critical thinking ability necessary to succeed as an economist. The major did not just set me up to be a better economist than I otherwise might have been, but it helped me to be a better human being as well."

- Luke Petach ('14)
Economics Faculty Member, Belmont University

Points of Distinction

  • Small, student-focused classes allow for personal attention from professors.
  • Professors emphasize a broad range of ethical considerations – not just the bottom line.
  • A dual quantitative and global business focus ensures a rigorous and yet well-rounded education while giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
  • In their courses students will be taught tools to perform rigorous data analysis.
  • Students will learn from faculty who are actively engaged with scholarship in their fields.

Why George Fox?

Christ-centered community

Our faith influences everything we do here, from the way our professors teach to the way we relate to one another and serve in the community.

Global opportunities

More than half of George Fox undergraduate students study abroad, ranking George Fox among the nation's leaders in study abroad participation (U.S. News & World Report).

National recognition

George Fox University is a Christian university classified by U.S. News & World Report as a first-tier national university, and Forbes ranks George Fox among the highest Christian colleges in the country.

Applied Knowledge

Through completing field experience or a research project, all economics students apply their knowledge to real-world opportunities during their coursework.

Business Faculty

Four-Year Course Plan

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