Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalogue 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Economics and Business


The curriculum in economics and business leads to the bachelor of arts degree. The major is designed to provide an understanding of the economic system and the function of business enterprise in the economy. It includes many courses common to other liberal arts curricula, with the aim of developing the cadet’s ability to think critically about society’s economic issues. In particular, the curriculum features an emphasis on developing analytical tools and methods of both public economic policy and business decision making.

As one of VMI’s liberal arts curricula, economics and business is based on a foundation of studies in mathematics, languages, social sciences, and humanities. In addition to the core curriculum requirements listed on page 15, cadets must also take core curriculum courses as listed on the next page (9 hours of humanities or social science electives, plus 12 hours of one foreign language through the 200-level). The curriculum provides a broadly conceived liberal arts education and is an excellent preparation for a wide range of business pursuits, military service, or graduate studies in economics, business, or law.

The department sponsors several extracurricular activities in support of the academic program. These include the John W. and Jane M. Roberts’ American Free Enterprise Program, the WELD program, the VMI chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon (the international honor society in economics), the VMI chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma (the international honor society in business), the Cadet Investment Club, the Personal Finance Club, the Building BRIDGEs Club, and internships and internships for credit. Many of these activities provide cadets with real-life experiences.

The department provides a robust internship program, coordinated through the efforts of an Internship Coordinator. Academic credit for internships is also available.

Three awards, the Roberts Medal, the Wheat Medal, and the Philpott Medal, recognize the top graduating seniors in economics and business studies. Academic Excellence Awards are presented annually to the top members of the upper three classes.

The Andrew L. McDowell Scholarship is available to cadets majoring in economics and business. It is based primarily on academic excellence, although other factors such as need, character, extracurricular activities, and leadership may be considered. Call for applications for this scholarship is sent out during the spring semester, for awards to be made the following academic year.

Major in Economics and Business

Concentrations in Economics and Business

Minors in Economics and Business

Courses

    BUSINESS

    Department of Economics and Business
    Department Head: Colonel West

    Requirements for a major in economics and business are specified in Economics and Business .

    Note: For all economics and business majors, the following courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher: MA 101 MA 102 ERH 101 ERH 102 EC 201 EC 202 EC 203 , EC 300 , EC 304 , EC 330 ; BU 210 , BU 211 , BU 220 , BU 230 , BU 310 , BU 316 , BU 330 , BU 339 , BU 440 .  In addition, a minimum grade point average of at least a C must be earned in all department courses.

    ECONOMICS

    Department of Economics and Business
    Department Head: Colonel West

    Requirements for a major in economics and business are specified in Economics and Business .

    Note: For all economics and business majors, the following courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher: MA 101 , MA 102 ; ERH 101 , ERH 102 ; EC 201 , EC 202 , EC 203 , EC 300 , EC 304 , EC 330 ; BU 210 , BU 211 , BU 220 , BU 230 , BU 310 BU 316 BU 330 , BU 339 , BU 440 . In addition, a minimum grade point average of at least a C must be earned in all department courses.