The Arts and Sciences curriculum in the Department of Economics blends basic economic concepts and applications with contemporary issues to develop students’ analytical abilities and prepare them for careers as economists, analysts, and upper-level managers in both the private and public sectors. Led by a devoted faculty, students challenge economic theories while using advanced technology and utilize economic principles to stimulate their powers of interpretation, synthesis, and understanding.
The program’s curriculum provides students with traditional business skills such as data analysis, statistics, and numerical research along with a rich liberal arts education to help them judge the merits of world markets and events. Students are given the freedom to track courses that lead to either a BS in Quantitative Economics or BA in Economics and are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to tailor their study toward their personal career and enrichment goals. The BA and BS degrees differ in the level of emphasis placed on quantitative analytical techniques. The BS degree has greater emphasis on acquiring quantitative skills to analyze data. The BA degree has greater emphasis on using qualitative and/or quantitative models to interpret the impact of public policy choices.
Additionally, the economics program's study abroad and internship programs promote real-world, first-hand experience and provide students with an excellent background for careers in all sectors of business, as well as advanced study in graduate or professional schools.
Economics graduate Julianne Whittaker received a Fulbright teaching scholarship to Jordan
Professor
Economics
x2850
P: (203) 254-4100
F: (203) 254-4199
admis@fairfield.edu
1
Application
Students will be able to describe concepts and apply them to real world issues, use economic theory to explain historical and current economic events, and demonstrate how economic theory can be applied in different market and institutional settings to solve problems.
2
Interpretation
Students will be able to use qualitative/ quantitative models to interpret the impact of public policy choices, identify how economic policies can be utilized to overcome market inadequacies, evaluate the success/failure of policies designed to achieve intended economic outcomes, and construct economic arguments using quantitative and non-quantitative evidence.
3
Analysis
Students will be able to acquire quantitative skills to analyze data and use that data and analysis to support logical positions, build data-gathering to analyze an economic argument or design and present their own economic argument, use statistical software to analyze economic data, and formulate empirically testable hypotheses.
4
Understanding
Students will be able to understand the trade-offs between efficiency and equity that are made as resources are allocated among economic actors, appraise various market models and resource allocations, use welfare measures to analyze economic tradeoffs, identify the challenges of promoting and securing economic growth, and appraise the resulting impact on resource and income distribution.
With its focus on policy analysis and business applications, the BA in Economics degree is designed for students who plan to enter the job market in business or government, or who plan to study business or law at the graduate level.
With its emphasis on mathematical skills and statistical analysis, the BS in Quantitative Economics degree prepares students for quantitative applications of economic theory as practiced in actuarial work, economic research, or graduate studies in economics. Students who complete this degree are urged to couple it with a minor in mathematics.
The Economics minor complements a wide variety of majors. Students are able to apply the skills and theory learned in introductory courses to their primary areas of interest.
Required Courses
| Introduction to Microeconomics |
| Introduction to Macroeconomics |
| Intermediate Microeconomic Theory |
| Intermediate Macroeconomics Theory |
| Economic Statistics |
| Five (5) Economics elective courses |
| Introduction to Microeconomics |
| Introduction to Macroeconomics |
| Intermediate Microeconomic Theory and Intermediate Microeconomic Theory Lab |
| Intermediate Macroeconomics Theory and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory Lab |
| Economic Statistics and Economic Statistics Lab |
| Mathematical Economics |
| Econometrics |
| Three (3) Economics elective courses |
| Introduction to Microeconomics |
| Introduction to Macroeconomics |
| Three (3) Economics elective courses |
A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.
Class of '16
Undergrad Degree: Economics and Asian Studies
Hometown: Wayzata, MN
Extracurricular Activities: Glee Club, Tour Ambassador, Fairfield Investment Society
Why did you choose to attend Fairfield University?
I chose to attend Fairfield because I wanted the opportunity to be on the East Coast near New York City and other financial hubs while also having a suburban and tight-knit campus. And of course, the beach is a great draw especially for me coming from the Midwest!
How/why did you select your major/minor?
I started out as a business student and thanks to the business core curriculum, I was required to take "Intro Microeconomics" and "Intro to Macroeconomics." I fell in love with the material. I could apply my interest in math to real world and market problems that affect everyone across the world. I also connected with my economics professors, Dr. Lane and Dr. Miners, which made the decision to switch to an economics major an easy one.
Describe a favorite course and how it helped your academic growth
"Intermediate Microeconomics theory" has been my favorite economics course thus far. The challenge in applying math with economic theory allowed me to grow in my work and understanding of economic theory. Dr. Nantz helped push and challenge me to achieve at a level that I didn’t even know I was capable. I applied these ideas to higher-level economics courses like Econometrics. And at the end of the semester, I felt so accomplished and wish I could take it all over again.
The majority of students majoring in economics find employment before graduation. Financial and service institutions have been the most popular sources of entry-level jobs. Other graduates have:
Alumni list of placements upon graduation include:
A few of our alumni also pursue graduate work in the law or economics. To date, we have placed students in the following graduate programs:
Learn how Fairfield's Career Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how our tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Fairfield University's location near many corporate headquarters provides excellent opportunities for internships. Recent economics students have interned as research associates at:
Economics Research Toolkit
Conducting research is an exciting process because you have an opportunity to build upon your previous knowledge and create something new. Building something new usually requires tools, and the type of tools that are most useful depends on what it is that you are constructing. Creating new knowledge in economics typically uses some of the following tools:
For an in-depth guide to carrying out economic research, please refer to Greenlaw's (2006) book: Greenlaw, Steven A. 2006. Doing Economics: A Guide to Understanding and Carrying Out Economic Research. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
Economic Data
In many cases, economic research involves accessing and using economic data. You may want to support an argument by presenting data graphically or test a hypothesis by analyzing data using econometric techniques.
Concept Mapping
As you conduct your research, a graphic organizer is a terrific tool for organizing your ideas and revealing how concepts relate to one another. Use the link below to download free concept mapping software designed by the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC).
DiMenna-Nyselius Library
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is a valuable portal to the scholarly literature in economics and to individualized help with your research. To see a sample of the vast resources available to Economics students, please visit the Library’s Best Bets for Starting your Research in Economics. Librarians are available to help students with all stages of their research.
Help is available through:
The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff, and accomplished scholars devoted to the process of invention and discovery and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. Meet the dedicated members of our Economics Department.