Program: Bachelor of Science in Economics, BSE - Bowling Green State University

Mar 31, 2025

Fall 2023 Undergraduate Catalog

The study of economics involves an analytical look at how scarce resources are allocated to various areas of production. It emphasizes the importance of making choices between desirable alternatives. The study of economics provides tools to make these choices in such areas as employment, economic growth, price stability, and trade. The bachelor of science in economics is especially suited for students who wish to combine a major in economics with concentrated study in other disciplines. The B.S. in economics requires three more economics courses than the economics specialization in the bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA), but the B.S. in economics permits students to choose their own cognate field of study (15 hours). Students can expand the number of hours in the cognate field to achieve a second major in such areas as sociology, political science, history, mathematics, or psychology. Students may also combine a major in economics with business fields such as accounting, finance, legal studies, marketing, or management. This program provides students with a meaningful educational experience that is suitable for employment in a wide variety of occupations in business or government, and for continued study in graduate schools in economics, business, law, and other fields.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the bachelor of science in economics, students are expected to demonstrate:

a command of basic characteristics of the American and global economy by using this knowledge to critically evaluate economic outcomes;
a command of basic economic theory by using this theory to make predictions and to analyze alternative economic policy options;
the ability to communicate in both oral and written forms by presenting arguments and evidence clearly and concisely;
the ability to engage in and understand moral reasoning with respect to economic issues by recognizing the implicit value conflicts present in all economic policy debates;
the ability to engage in problem solving using basic economic theory;
the ability to engage in critical thinking as a part of the analysis of economic problems;

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

English Composition and Oral Communication
_____________________________ ________

Quantitative Literacy
_____________________________ ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

Humanities and the Arts
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Social and Behavioral Sciences
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

_____________________________   ________
_____________________________   ________
_____________________________   ________
_____________________________   ________

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36

Major Requirements

Core Courses

ECON 3020 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
ECON 3030 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
ECON 4730 - History of Economic Thought
18 additional hours of 3000- and 4000-level ECON or approved related courses
All courses must be completed with a letter grade.

Three Hours of Quantitative Economics From:

Cognate concentration*

Note: ECON 2000 may not be counted toward the cognate concentration or free electives.

15 hours selected from the areas of business administration, arts and sciences or education, after consultation with and approval of the program adviser.
All courses must be completed with a letter grade.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Economics are expected to be able to:

demonstrate a command of basic characteristics of the American and global economy by using this knowledge to critically evaluate economic outcomes;
demonstrate a command of basic economic theory by using this theory to make predictions and to analyze alternative economic policy options;
demonstrate the ability to communicate in both oral and written forms by presenting arguments and evidence clearly and concisely;
demonstrate the ability to engage in and understand moral reasoning with respect to economic issues by recognizing the implicit value conflicts present in all economic policy debates;
demonstrate the ability to engage in problem solving using basic economic theory;
demonstrate the ability to engage in critical thinking as a part of the analysis of economic problems;

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Economics program is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is in good standing. For more accreditation information, click here.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Economics program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Economics program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.