Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Economics Learning Goals

Our students can expect to become proficient in the following topics with a major in economics:

I

Basic Economic Concepts

BC1

Develop mastery of basic economic concepts

 

II

Critical Thinking Skills

CT1

Apply economic analysis to evaluate everyday problems

CT2

Apply economic analysis to evaluate specific policy proposals

CT3

Compare two or more arguments that have different conclusions to a specific issue or problem

CT4

Understand the role of assumptions in arguments

 

III

Quantitative Reasoning Skills

QT1

Understand how to use empirical evidence to evaluate an economic argument

QT2

Interpret statistical results

QT3

Conduct appropriate statistical analysis of data, and explain the statistical problems involved

QT4

Obtain and/or collect relevant data using specific qualitative and/or quantitative research methods

 

IV

Problem-Solving Skills

PS1

Solve problems that have clear solutions

PS2

Propose solutions for problems that do not have clear answers, and indicate under what conditions they may be viable solutions

 

V

Communication Skills

CS1

Communicate effectively in written, spoken, and graphical form about specific economic issues

CS2

Formulate a well-organized written argument that states assumptions and hypotheses, which are supported by evidence

 

VI

Lifelong Learning Skills

LL1

Know how to locate and use primary data sources (eg. BLS Household Survey, UN Human Development Index)

LL2

Understand and evaluate current economic events and new economic ideas