Economics Program

Program Description

Economics has something for everyone. It is among the most applied, most quantitative, and most scientific of all the social sciences, and at the same time the most theoretical business subjects. It draws on history, political science, philosophy, sociology, and mathematics, and has something to say about a list of topics ranging from household spending to inflation to crime to environmental issues.

Iowa Central’s economics curriculum combines general education coursework in the social sciences, the humanities, mathematics, and the natural sciences, with business courses directly related to the field. The curriculum provides a broad perspective of economic issues, methods of economic analysis, and research techniques. Skills of analysis also provide a means to study related areas in other Social Science and Business disciplines. Students interested in majoring in Economics can complete their first two years of coursework at Iowa Central and then transfer to a public or private college for the remaining two years.
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Admissions Criteria

To complete admission procedures, the following requirements are necessary: (1) complete an application form and return it to Enrollment Services, (2) submit an official high school transcript or GED scores and official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, and (3) provide test scores from either ACT or ASSET placement assessments.
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Scholarship Opportunities

Iowa Central is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding students. The College awards scholarships to students based on need and grade point average. If you are interested in applying, please contact the department chair of the Social Science department or Enrollment Services at ext. 4800. Applications are mailed upon request.
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Career & Employment Outlook

Career opportunities for economists are excellent. Employers, especially business firms who are looking for liberal arts graduates, often favor economics majors because these students have been through rigorous training. The demands of majoring in economics tend to drive away the less ambitious and seem to attract many of the better minds. Thus, a degree in economics is a valuable credential. The salaries of economists, both academic and nonacademic, tend to be higher than those of other social scientists.

Economics Careers:

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The Courses

Iowa Central’s Economics curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong background in the methodologies, theories, and fundamental concepts of economics and other social sciences. The following is a suggested plan of study for students majoring in Economics:

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