"BEc" redirects here. For other uses, see Bec and BEC.
ABachelor of Economics (BEcorBEcon)
[1][2]
is an academic degree awarded to students who have completed undergraduate studiesineconomics.
Specialized economics degrees are also offered as a "tagged" BA (Econ), BS (Econ) / BSc (Econ), BCom (Econ), and BSocSc (Econ), or variants such as the "Bachelor of Economic Science".[3]
These degrees typically
[4][5][6][7][8][9]
encompass a broad range of topics in the field of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic history, and international economics. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, principles, and models, and their application in analyzing real-world economic issues.
The curriculum is then [2][1] substantially more theoretical and mathematical than the major in economics available generally (BBA, general BCom or BA).
Graduates often pursue careers in[2][1] economic analysis, policy development, finance, and business consulting, or continue their studies in graduate programs.
The BEcon and the specialized degrees [10][11][1] each have their own structure, differing by university.
Generally, though, the curriculum is built around a core of theory, to which is added courses in the various branches, and areas of application; [12] see next section.
In the US, a structured "program"
is often offered within the College of Arts and Sciences.
[13][14][12][15][16]Inthe Commonwealth, specialized BCom-Economics degrees are often offered through the commerce faculty.
[17][18][19][20][21][22]
The program is often available as a social science degree.
[23][24]
Several universities offer a separate 1 year Honours degree, [25] and the program then comprises "3 years plus 1"; often Honours (or Honors in the US) is included in the four year structure. [15] An Honours research-thesis will be required.
Under both specialized and general programs, economics is often combined with a second major in financeormanagement,
[26][27][28][11][22][9]
or with other social sciences;
[23][24][29]
in the US, economics is often combined with a quantitative subject such as math or computer science.[30]
The interdisciplinary "PPE" integrates philosophy and politics with economics.
Some business schools offer a joint program with the economics department;
[31][32]
similarly, joint-majors are commonly offered with the mathematics department.
[33][34][35][36][37]
Some universities allow that the degree as a whole may be further specialized;
either in one of the applied areas,
or, more common, in one of the major branches, often development economics,[38]
econometrics / mathematical economics,
[39][40][41]
political economy,[42]
agricultural economics,[43]
or business economics.[44]
Others allow this specialization at the Honours degree level.
Some universities offer a "Bachelor of Applied Economics"
[45]
or similar,
[46]
which will be career-focused.
Degrees in Financial Economics,
[47][48][10][49]
integrate finance into the economics program, as opposed to via a second major.
Co-requisite courses from outside of economics are invariably a program requirement.
Common to all business programs are introductory or business statistics, and "quantitative techniques", comprising basic calculus, interest calculations, and sometimes matrix operations;
the social science programs sometimes include these, and may also require credits in sociology and psychology.
Some knowledge of accountancy or management may be assumed in the "applied courses"; credits in these are usually inherent in the business degree.
Most specialized programs require further "Mathematics for Economists",
[56]
essentially a (detailed) survey of the topics mentioned above re US students;
[57]
see Business mathematics § Undergraduate.
Statistics is similarly extended,[58][19] often within the math course, as underpin to the econometrics coursework.
The specialized BSc programs are often more math intensive than the BA programs.[1]
Similarly, the Honors track will have additional math requirements.[15]
