Spotlight on Economics

As this issue of eConnections is being written, the U.S.—and indeed, the entire world—are enmeshed in a global economic downturn.  In the wake of a housing market slide, unprecedented volatility in the stock market, high-profile corporate scandals, and historically large bankruptcies, the financial services industry is being bailed out by the federal government and the auto industry is in line for similar relief.

In addition to providing personal enrichment, degrees in Economics also carry market value: nationally, the average starting salary for those with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics is $52,495 (National Association of Colleges and Employers, Spring 2008).  This exceeds the starting salaries in numerous other fields including Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, and Civil Engineering. 

The Department of Economics at Wright State offers three degree programs for those seeking to gain an understanding of economics and expertise in economic analysis: a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a unique, one-year, evenings-only Master of Science degree in Social and Applied Economics.  These dynamic programs are constantly being updated; new courses recently introduced at the graduate and undergraduate levels include Economics of Innovation, Economics of Diversity, and Gender and Economic Policy in International Comparison.  Details about the programs are available on line at www.wright.edu/business/acad/econ/ .

Our students benefit from faculty members with strong ties to the local, national, and international communities.  The faculty are frequently called upon by local media—newspapers, radio and television stations—and community groups to provide insight into economic events, and they often collaborate on economic development projects in the region.  Many of our faculty have lived, taught, and/or conducted research in countries overseas, including Vietnam, India, Bulgaria, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Italy. 

As a consequence, our students are well-positioned to take advantage of internships and career opportunities with businesses, governments, and non-profit agencies.  Some of our recent graduates have accepted positions with Dayton Power & Light, the Dayton Development Coalition, Mead Westvaco, the Service Employees International Union, and Georgetown University Medical School.  Others have pursued further study at the doctoral level, at institutions such as Colorado State University and West Virginia University.

For more information on the Economics programs offered, please contact Dr. Joseph G. Eisenhauer, Professor and Chair of Economics, at (937) 775-3070 or Joseph.Eisenhauer@wright.edu.