Belmont Abbey College

Programs in economics aim at providing a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and its application to issues such as the productivity of resources, business cycles, economic institutions, and the determination of income and employment. Because an education in economics develops analytical reasoning through formal modeling and historical interpretation, Economics majors receive strong preparation for graduate study in economics, law school, or MBA programs.

The knowledge and skills developed by studying economics are used in problem solving, decision making and policy applications throughout business, government, banking and not-for-profit organizations; thus the Economics major prepares students for interesting careers as well as for graduate work. Oral and written communication are especially important in course work for a major in Economics. Mathematical and graphical skills are developed as well.

Economic – Program of Study
Standards for Admission to Program: To be accepted as a major in the department, the student must have a minimum grade of “C” in the following courses: Accounting 211 or 212, Business 201, Business 315, Economics 201 or 202, and Computer Studies 100 or 221.

Requirements for B.A. Degree: Within the general requirements of the College for graduation, the following are specific requirements for completing the major in Economics:

• Required business core courses: Accounting 211; Business 201, 315, 406; Computer Studies 100 or 221; Economics 201, 202, 306; Mathematics 151.
• Required upper-level courses: Economics 316, five EC electives, and either EC 408 or EC 499. EC 408 and EC 499 require oral and written work equal to 25% of the total grade.
• A one or two term ( 3 to 6 credit) directed study is possible for students with a 3.3 GPA or better.
• All students must take a comprehensive exam on macro and micro economics.
• In addition to core requirements, students are encouraged to select electives from the Social Sciences and the Humanities.

Requirements for Minor: 5 courses in Economics, including EC 201 and EC 202. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in the courses taken for the minor. The majority of economics courses cannot be transferred to be considered for a minor.

Courses Offered
EC201 - Introductory Economics I
EC202 - Introductory Economics II
EC306 - Statistics for Business and Economics
EC307 - Money and Banking I
EC308 - Money and Banking II
EC316 - Intermediate Economics
EC355 - Political Economy I
EC356 - Political Economy II
EC400 - History of Economic Thought
EC401 - The History of American Economic Life
EC405 - Public Finance
EC408 - Economics Seminar
EC497 - Directed Study

Economics - Faculty
Dr. William Van Lear, Professor of Economics, Coordinator of the major
B.A. Gettysburg College, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Van Lear's teaching specialties include macro-economics, political economy, and the history of economic thought. He has published various articles and columns, and in 2002 a monograph, A Populist Challenge to Corporate Capitalism. A winner of the Adrian Faculty Excellence award, Dr. Van Lear also serves the community as a board member of the local YMCA.

Mr. Stanley Dudko, Associate Professor Emeritus of Business / Economics
B.A. Belmont Abbey College, M.S. Auburn University

Prof. Dudko has taught at the Abbey since 1963 in the Depts. of Business Administration and Economics. During his tenure, he has served as moderator of several student organizations. Out of 10 years as the Abbey's soccer coach, he was 9 times Coach of the Year. He keeps physically fit by jogging the Abbey perimeter and his hobbies include classical music and reading.