Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Economics] From Portland State University

The B.A./B.S. in Economics requires a total of 60 credit hours, 20 for core courses, 28 for economics electives, and 12 for math/statistics courses.
Introduction to economists' approaches to some of the most pressing, current political and economic issues. Topics will vary depending upon the instructor, but are likely to include the sources of economic development and growth, what constitutes a desirable standard of living and quality of life, analyses of poverty and inequality, economic pressures on the family, and strategies for environmental sustainability.
A study of the market system involving the essentials of demand and supply analysis; competition and monopoly; labor; public policy toward business; the distribution of income; international trade and commercial policy; comparative advantage, tariffs and quotas.
A study of factors affecting the level of national income: the essentials of money and banking; the role of government expenditure and taxation in achieving economic stability, growth and development; international monetary issues including exchange rates and the balance of payments. Prerequisite: EC 201.
Theories of consumer behavior and demand, production and cost, the firm and market organization, strategic behavior and functional income distribution. This course cannot be counted as credit for economics graduate students, but may be taken by graduate students in other programs. Prerequisite: EC 201.
Examines tools and models to analyze factors influencing the levels of output, employment and prices. Fundamentals of the theory of business cycles, economic growth, inflation. The role of government in dealing with these and related problems. This course cannot be counted as credit for economics graduate students, but may be taken by graduate students in other programs. Prerequisites: EC 202, EC 311 or consent of instructor.
Examines the tools required to analyze expenditures that yield benefits over time-investments. The use of accounting documents and a focus on the time value of money allows students to analyze choices in a variety of security, loan and equipment investment decisions.