Economics

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Economics is the study of how people satisfy their needs and wants through the activities of production, consumption, and exchange. These economic activities require the allocation of time, energy, and scarce material and financial resources. Different allocations are observed depending on the choice of production technique and preferences in consumption.

Degree Requirements

See degree requirements for a detailed listing of the Economics B.A. requirements.

Economics Web Site

Visit the Economics web site at http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~business/.

Mission

The mission of the UH Hilo Economics Department is to assist individuals in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for sound decision-making in their personal and professional lives. The Department serves students and communities of the Island and State of Hawaiʻi, as well as students from the North American mainland and the Asia/Pacific region.

Curriculum

Students of economics follow a curriculum that provides a foundation for methodical, analytical, and critical thinking about societies and institutions. Lower-division courses include principles of economics, mathematics, statistics, along with the general education requirements. Upper-division students have the opportunity of taking advanced economics courses in many specialty areas.

Prospects for Economics Graduates

Economic analysis, forecasting and cost-benefit studies have become routine requirements of management information in most medium and large business firms. Because of its rigorous preparation in economic theory and quantitative methods, a bachelor of arts degree in Economics from UH Hilo is in demand both in industry and government. Students may use the degree to apply for the University's Teacher Education Program. The program also provides an excellent background for law and other professional schools, as well as graduate study in economics.

Goals for Student Learning in the Major

Upon graduating, our students should have the following knowledge:

Know the common core of economic knowledge that enables them to understand and apply:

  • Basic concepts and principles of economics with an appreciation of the unity, logic and power of economic reasoning
  • Economically sound reasoning to situations explaining resource allocation at all levels
  • The explanatory power of incentives and trade-offs when analyzing individual, group, and social problems or issues
  • Economic theory to practical problems

Upon graduating, our students should have the following attitudes:

  • Conviction that they have received a quality education, appropriate to their personal and career goals
  • Appreciation of the goal-orientation and self-motivation needed to be a successful
  • Confidence that they are prepared to take on the challenges of a career in either the private sector or any level of government
  • Recognition that an on-going commitment to learning is critical to continued success and satisfaction in their career
  • Recognition that community service will be an important component of their future professional responsibilities
  • Confidence that they can identify economic problems, relevant issues, and significant factors involving uncertainty, ambiguity, incomplete information, and conflicting goals in such a way for effective decision-making

Upon graduating, our students should have the following skills:

  • Critical thinking and integrative problem-solving skills
  • Effective, confident written and oral communication skills and the demonstration of a professional demeanor
  • Facility in Web-based-research, computer-related applications and current methods of analysis and presentation

Contributions to UH Hilo's General Education Program

Students who elect to take an Economics course to meet part of their General Education requirement in the Social Sciences will gain an appreciation of:

  • Allocating scarce resources most efficiently
  • Analyzing national and international events within a coherent and logical framework
  • Decision making when facing uncertainty

Delta Sigma Pi

Economics majors are eligible for nomination to the Lambda Psi chapter of the Delta Sigma Pi national professional business fraternity. The fraternity provides many opportunities for community, professional, and social activities

Economics Faculty and Staff