Economics
If you choose an economics degree at Central College, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of economic theory—and how to apply it to contemporary issues. You’ll have many opportunities to study the economic decision-making behavior of individuals, firms, nations and other economic groups.
Central’s economics program offers you a strong foundation for countless career options. Many economics majors enter the business world, working in banking, finance or actuarial fields. Others begin careers in the public arena, working with such agencies as the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Federal Reserve. Also, Central economics majors have a spotless track record of admittance into graduate school—many acquire graduate degrees in economics, law, business or public administration.
The Central Difference
Facilities
The Weller Center for Business and International Studies houses faculty offices and classrooms for the department of economics, accounting and management, department of sociology and anthropology and department of modern languages.
The $3.9-million building completed in 1999 includes state-of-the-art technologies, a 24-hour computer lab on the main floor and eight high-tech classrooms, two of which contain student computers.
An Introvert’s Path to Leadership
“Meticulous” accounting student Anne Williamson ’20 steps out of her comfort zone and finds success.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with partner programs in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Economics majors are encouraged to study abroad because in an increasingly global economy, employers want to hire graduates who have a larger world perspective. Nearly 60% of economics students study abroad!
Professional Development
Finding and landing your first job is an important step. Central makes sure students are fully prepared for the job search through multiple events focusing on search strategies, resume building, interviewing practice and networking skills.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Greg Foote ’09, assistant vice president, retail performance coach, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Ces Moines
- Jordan Waddell ’11, product analyst, Brokers International, Des Moines
- Katie Huff Pech ‘11, business analyst, John Deere, Davenport
- Kevin McQuerry ’12, business analyst, American Equity Investment Life, Des Moines
- Shivani Kharbanda ’13, economic and risk analyst, Vermeer Corp., Pella
- Anna Dickerson ’14, operations analyst, Wells Fargo, Des Moines
- Andrew Harvey ’15, lease processing specialist, John Deere Financial, Des Moines
- Jared Nepomuceno ’16, fixed indexed annuity modeler, Transamerica, Cedar Rapids
- Cody Bock ‘17, Peace Corps volunteer, Conakry, Guinea
Professor Papakonstantinidis Publishes Research on Women Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries
Stavros Papakonstantinidis, associate professor of communication studies, has co-authored a chapter published in “The Emerald Handbook of Women and Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies.”
Organizations
- Omicron Delta Epsilon (international honor society in economics)
- EAM Club (economics, accounting and management)
Graduate Placement
- Drake University, law
- University of Oregon, Ph.D., economics
- George Washington University, master’s in public administration
- Iowa State University, Ph.D., economics
- The University of Iowa, law
- University of Chicago, master's in public administration
Internships
In today's competitive job market, proven experience is a priceless commodity. Many students turn their internship into employment after graduation.
- Policy intern, Senator Charles Grassley’s Des Moines office
- Financial Architects, Pella
- Transamerica, Cedar Rapids
- Policy intern, Senator Tom Harkin’s Des Moines office
Courses & Faculty
Economics majors take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, plus a minimum of five additional courses at the 300-400 level.
Students are encouraged to study at one of Central’s international centers and/or in the Chicago program and to extend their education beyond the classroom through internships and other co-curricular activities on campus.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Crystal Bruntz, B.A., M.B.A., Lecturer of Accounting
- Graham Lemke, B.Sc., M.S., Ph.D., Donald T. Butler Endowed Chair and Professor of Finance
- Tuan Nguyen, B.B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics
- George Nwaogu, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
- Jaclyn Rundle, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Business Management
- Maggie Schlerman, B.A., M.Acc., C.P.A., Associate Professor of Accounting
- Julie Summers, Lecturer of Management and Marketing
Sample Coursework
First Year
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Calculus I
- Computer science course
Sophomore Year
- Applied Statistics
- Quantitative Methods in Business and Economics
- Public Speaking
Junior Year
- Microeconomic Theory
- Upper-level economics courses
- Macroeconomic Theory
Senior Year
- Upper-level economics courses
- Economics Research Seminar
Learn More
Want to find out more about Economics at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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