Bachelor of Science in Economics (BS ECO)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSECO) program aligns modern economic theory with profuse quantitative skills to help students develop independent evaluations of and solutions to economic issues. The program is designed bearing in mind the ability for its graduates to face
current and future challenges on the job market together with a solid foundation for any graduate degree in economics or any related field. It aims at providing its graduates with the following skills:

  • Problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Critical thinking.
  • The basics of research methodology in Economics.
  • Quantitative methods and techniques in Economics.
  • Writing and communication skills.

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from IUGB will be well equipped with general and specific knowledge in either of the following concentration area of choice: Econometrics and Data Science or Financial Economics.

Learning outcomes

An undergraduate education in economics focuses on learning to analyze the world in terms of tradeoffs and incentives. More specifically, students graduating with a BSECO degree from IUGB will be have the ability to:

  • Use microeconomic or macroeconomic theory to analyze a specific economic scenario.
  • Apply microeconomic theory to produce a written assessment of the industrial structure, firm conduct, and economic performance of a specific industry.
  • Use data to gain insight into a specific economic relationship.
  • Use mathematical methods to analyze a macroeconomic or microeconomic model or situation.
  • Critically evaluate the relationships between the structure and operation of financial market institutions and the economy.
  • Formulate an economic research question and produce a review of the relevant scholarly economic literature as part of an independent research project.

These skills will strengthen the graduate’s employability in several ways that involve:

  • Making sound judgment: Graduates will have the ability to gather and interpret information and data from various and often contrasting sources, in order to make sound judgment autonomously, and to meet objectives that often respond to different requests.
  • Communication skills: Graduates will able to communicate in written form (summaries, reports, and detailed analysis) and oral form (face to face and in public). They will be able: to use clear statement of purpose, organization and logic; and to convey relevant information and concepts using Standard English and appropriate vocabulary.
  • Lifelong learning skills: Students will additionally acquire the analytical and cognitive tools that allow them to autonomously face highly dynamic professional settings that require listening skills, critical thinking skills and the ability to integrate. They will also be able to understand and manage the evolution of problems in their daily life. They will be able to independently develop models for managing knowledge useful in professional development and to undertake studies at a graduate level. This ability will be acquired through participation in teaching activities, both in traditional and/or interactive ways, individual and/or group study and, in particular, research carried out for the drafting of high standard written piece.

Career prospects

Economics occupies a unique position at the intersection of the Arts, Sciences, and Mathematics disciplines. At the heart of this study is how economic agents decide to use limited resources to satisfy unlimited needs. It is equally creative, analytical, and a very rewarding field. Benefits
from studying economics involve:

  • Earning competitive incomes compared to graduates from other disciplines;
  • Becoming a more responsible citizen with understanding of modern economic life;
  • Developing unique skills valuable in various sectors such as commercial banking, investment banking, industry, government and International organizations.
  • Graduates with superior quantitative skills are increasingly sought after in the Sub-Saharan African region and beyond. Examples of job opportunities include (but are not limited to): Economist, environmental economist, personal financial advisor, financial analyst, statistician, operations research analyst, market research analyst, etc.

Degree Plan

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