Economics (ECON)
Economics Graduate Courses
ECON 8050 ECONOMIC EDUCATION (3 credits)
A study and examination of economic principles and how they can be related to the teacher's classroom presentation. This course is designed to furnish the k-12 teacher with sufficient background and understanding to aid in the recognition of economic issues and the teaching of economic concepts and principles.
Prerequisite(s): No previous course work in economics. Not open to Economics majors.
ECON 8080 MONEY AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (3 credits)
This course examines the financial system (institutions, instruments, markets, practices, and public authorities), and the implementation of monetary policy that aims to maintain financial stability and support economic growth. The course discusses current events reported in the financial press and uses the analytic frameworks developed in class to analyze these issues. This course trains students to think systematically about the current state of the economy and use quantitative tools to analyze the interactions between monetary policy and the financial system.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1310 or MATH 1220, ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, each with a "C" (2.0) or better, or permission of instructor.
ECON 8200 APPLIED MICROECONOMICS THEORY (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microeconomic theory and its practical applications. By combining traditional economic analysis with the computational power of Mathematica, students will develop the skills necessary to model, analyze, and solve complex economic problems.
ECON 8210 APPLIED MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS (3 credits)
This is a course in empirical economic modeling techniques deployed by economists and other business consultants use in business and public policy applications. There are four main themes: 1) techniques used in demand analysis and economic forecasting, 2) techniques used in production and cost analysis, 3) supply chain and trade analysis, and 4) analysis and measurement of competitive interactions.
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
ECON 8216 INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION (3 credits)
In this class we will examine why firms and industries behave the way that they do. We will explore why some industries face intense competition while others enjoy large profits, why some industries offer only bundles, and why some firms buy up their supply chain when others do not. This course will use your economic knowledge, a bit of psychology (behavioral economics) and game theory to answer questions like "Why does everyone hate the cable company?" and "Why are CEOs given so many stock options?" This theoretical course will illuminate un-theoretical implications to your life and future business ventures. With this course, you will better understand how to design and price products, what industry characteristics results in larger profits, and numerous other skills relevant to businesses of all sizes. (Cross-listed with ECON 4210).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1310 or MATH 1220, ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, each with a "C" (2.0) or better, or permission of instructor.
ECON 8220 APPLIED MACROECONOMICS THEORY (3 credits)
This course integrates theoretical macroeconomics with applied data analysis. Students learn to connect models with real-world data, interpret macroeconomic indicators, evaluate macroeconomic policy, and understand how macroeconomic relationships evolve with changing policy and expectations.
ECON 8230 BUSINESS CONDITIONS ANALYSIS (3 credits)
This course is concerned with the statistical measurement and evaluation of general business conditions, as well as the adaptation of business policies to changing business conditions. Emphasis is placed upon the practical application of statistical analysis techniques to business situations within the framework of the aggregate economy.
ECON 8246 LABOR ECONOMICS (3 credits)
The course will cover essential topics in Labor Economics including factors leading to equilibrium conditions in the labor market, human capital accumulation, discrimination in the workplace, compensation for undesirable work, mobility, unionization, and more. (Cross-listed with ECON 4240).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 OR BSAD 8150 OR Instructor Approval
ECON 8256 SPORTS ECONOMICS (3 credits)
Economics is frequently considered an abstract topic, with interesting results that are not easily applied in the real world. Through Sports Economics, students will explore the very real ways in which economics influences sporting competitions and the businesses surrounding them. Students will explore topics such as unionization in sports, discrimination, amateurism, monopoly power, game theory, and more in the context of sports, giving the student a deeper understanding of how these topics apply to real-world problems. After this course, students will understand how readily economics can be applied to businesses and problems in any industry or domain. (Cross-listed with ECON 4770).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 OR BSAD 8150 OR Equivalent OR Instructor Approval. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8300 ECONOMETRICS (3 credits)
The study of the underlying assumptions, techniques and applications of single and multiple equation regression analysis in economics.
Prerequisite(s): Basic Statistics, ECON 8306/ECON 4300, or permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8306 QUANTITATIVE APPLICATIONS IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS (3 credits)
The study and application of modern quantitative techniques to problem-solving in economics and business. It is designed to help the student to translate verbal arguments in economics and business into their mathematical equivalents, to improve analytical skills, and to attain proficiency in marginal analysis, equilibrium analysis, static optimization, and comparative statics analysis. It covers topics such as exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications, linear algebra and its applications, derivatives and their applications, maximization of functions with one variable and multi variables, maximization with non negativity constraints, and integral calculus and its applications in economics and business. (Cross-listed with ECON 4300).
ECON 8310 BUSINESS FORECASTING (3 credits)
The course will cover forecasting tools and applications applied to business settings. The first half of the course will cover traditional Econometric forecasting methods and the second half of the course will focus on predictive analytics models and machine learning. Time in the computer lab will be focused on teaching students how to implement the models discussed in lectures. (Cross-listed with BSAD 8080).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 8320 (or equivalent programming experience) or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8316 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND REPORTING (3 credits)
The course will teach students to use state-of-the-art Business Intelligence (BI) software to generate reports and information from data. BI software is used to inform decision-making in industries from transportation to medicine, from marketing to government, and is facilitated by rapidly increasing access to data in all industries. Students will learn to employ best practices in visualization and verbal communication as they are trained to create valuable insights from data and convey those insights to stakeholders. Additionally, the course will aid students in preparing for certification in the use of state-of-the-art BI software. (Cross-listed with ECON 4350).
Prerequisite(s): BSAD 2130 (or equivalent) OR Instructor Approval
ECON 8320 TOOLS FOR DATA ANALYSIS (3 credits)
The course will cover basic principles of programming languages, as well as libraries useful in collecting, cleaning and analyzing data to answer research questions. The course will utilize basic Economic principles and Econometric methods as inspiration for assignments and projects throughout the duration of the course, and will do so in a way that is accessible to non-Economists. This course is intended to introduce the student to the Python programming language as a tool for conducting data analysis. While the course uses Python, the student should be able to move to other languages frequently used in data analysis using the principles taught in this course.
Prerequisite(s): BSAD 2130 or equivalent; or instructor approval.
ECON 8326 NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the economics and management of Earth's natural resources. We address questions such as: Are we running out of natural resources? Are we using resources in a sustainable fashion? What role to markets play in resource use? We will address issues related to fossil-based resources, minerals, fisheries, water, land, forests and other associated topics. The course covers the basic theoretical framework for understanding the optimal rate of resource use, identifies the factors that determine the actual rate of use, and considers and evaluates various public policy prescriptions. (Cross-listed with ECON 4320).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, BSAD 8150 or permission of instructor.
ECON 8330 DATA ANALYSIS FROM SCRATCH (3 credits)
Econometrics is routinely taught as an application class using a 'black box' like Stata or SAS to perform calculations. This class takes a different approach. Using the Python programming language, we build all estimators from scratch. Additionally, we introduce numerous non-parametric and simulation techniques. This approach to econometrics results in a stronger understanding of statistical assumptions and methods, a better understanding of when a method is appropriate, and stronger programming techniques. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanics provides the student the ability to program custom procedures not already built into popular software packages. As part of the course, students will work with a community partner to answer a real question with data; MBA students should consult with their advisor about this course satisfying the project-focused capstone requirement.
Prerequisite(s): A multivariate or regression analysis course such as ECON 8300, ISQA 9130 or STAT 8436, and a programming class such as ECON 8320 or equivalent programming experience; or instructor approval. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8336 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STRATEGY (3 credits)
In this course students will apply economic concepts and models to environmental concerns and policy solutions that combat environmental degradation. Topics include: Air and water pollution, solid waste management, carbon taxation, cap-and-trade systems, and economic motivations for environmental business management. (Cross-listed with ECON 4330).
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Graduate College, MBA Program or by permission of the instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8400 APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS (3 credits)
This capstone course provides advanced training in applied research methods for economics and business, emphasizing the integration of theory, empirical design, and econometric analysis. It is designed to combine academic rigor with real-world applications. Students learn how to develop testable hypotheses from economic models, design experiments and surveys, and apply advanced techniques in causal inference and data analysis. Emphasis is placed on connecting theoretical frameworks with empirical strategies to address complex business and policy questions. The course also highlights issues of validity, ethics, and the challenges of working with real-world data.
Prerequisite(s): ECON 8200, ECON 8300 AND Permission from Graduate Program Advisor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8576 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ANALYSIS (3 credits)
This course teaches students how to conduct an economic analysis of, and produce an economic forecast for, a local economy such as a state, county, or metropolitan area. Students will learn where to find data, how to analyze that data, how to develop models with the data, and how to present the data in a clear, concise, and jargon-free manner. The final published report will be authored by the students registered in the course. All students will contribute equally to the final report. The instructor will ensure equal participation. (Cross-listed with ECON 4570).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, or Permission from the instructor
ECON 8616 INTERNATIONAL TRADE (3 credits)
An analysis of the character of international economic relations. Subjects covered include the economic basis for international specialization and trade, the economic gains from trade, commercial policy, economic integration and economic growth. (Cross-listed with ECON 4610).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1310 or MATH 1220, ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, or BSAD 8180, or permission of instructor.
ECON 8666 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)
This course introduces theories and application of economic development and growth, economic problems facing developing countries, analyzes domestic economic issues (e.g., per capita GDP, income distribution, population, unemployment, urbanization, education, fiscal policies, and financial policies), and international economic issues (e.g., trade, foreign investment, and foreign debt). Financial crises, debt crises, and economic recovery will be discussed. (Cross-listed with ECON 4660).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, or BSAD 8180, or permission of instructor.
ECON 8736 ECONOMICS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 credits)
This course will review economic theories of entrepreneurship with special emphasis on Schumpeter's theory of creative destruction. The main focus of the seminar will be on the "high-level" entrepreneurship that sometimes results in major innovations. This course will address the societal benefits of entrepreneurship, factors influencing entrepreneurial success, the policies that best encourage entrepreneurship, and how firms can survive and prosper in an entrepreneurial environment. (Cross-listed with ECON 4730, BSAD 8736.)
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2200 or permission of the instructor for all students.
ECON 8756 BEHAVIORAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ECONOMICS (3 credits)
This course explores behavioral economics, one of the fastest growing fields of the economics discipline, and experimental economics, which provides a framework in which to study behavioral and other economic research questions. Topics in these areas include Prospect Theory, Heuristics, Nudges, and Experimental Design focused on testing behavioral models of economic choice. (Cross-listed with ECON 4750).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 8200 or Instructor Approval
ECON 8766 GAME THEORY: APPLICATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS (3 credits)
This course covers the field of game theory from foundations like dominant strategies and Nash Equilibria to advanced applications like signaling games, repeated games, and evolutionarily stable strategies. The course will also cover the design of experiments and studies applying game theory to real-world problems. (Cross-listed with ECON 4760).
Prerequisite(s): ECON 8200 or instructor approval
ECON 8856 ECONOMICS OF URBAN AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)
This course exposes students to the field of Urban Economics with a focus on the latest theories and empirical tools used to measure urban and regional activity and develop strategies to promote new business growth and economic development. A significant portion of the course is devoted to developing and implementing models to help identify ideal geographic locations for new business ventures. Students will learn where to find urban and regional data and how to best utilize such data. This combination of theory and practical application is ideal for any student studying economics, business and entrepreneurship, public policy, or political science. (Cross-listed with ECON 4850).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1310 or MATH 1220, ECON 2200 and ECON 2220, each with a "C" (2.0) or better, or permission of instructor.
ECON 8900 GRADUATE ORAL CAPSTONE (0 credits)
Graduate economics students are required to present independent research work in a poster session in their final semester. Besides the oral research presentation, students need to successfully respond to a series of questions about their research. Questions could include the theoretical framework of the research, potential limitations of the data and methodology, ethical and practical implications of the research, potential extensions, and concrete potential use in a business setting. This session will be open to the public, including future employers. Contact the graduate advisor for more details.
Prerequisite(s): Permission number only. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
ECON 8910 SPECIAL STUDIES IN ECONOMICS (3 credits)
This course will focus on issues or developments in a specific area of economics or business.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate student in good standing and as indicated for specific workshop or seminar.
ECON 8920 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
Guided independent study and research.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate student in economics and permission of instructor.
ECON 8940 ECONOMIC INTERNSHIP (1-3 credits)
Guided internship in a firm or organization that makes use of, or extends, the student's skill in economics.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least nine hours of graduate level economics and permission of instructor.
ECON 8990 THESIS (1-6 credits)
An independent research project, written under the supervision of a graduate adviser in the department of economics. Approval of the topic and the completed project by departmental committee is required.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the topic and the completed project by departmental committee is required.