Economics

Minor in Economics

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

The Minor in Economics at Fort Hays State University gives students a strong foundation in economics. The program covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics, and students can choose electives in areas of interest, such as intermediate economics, financial markets, international economics or finance, or quantitative methods.

Students minoring in economics go through a curriculum encompassing various economics courses. It offers a mix of primary and advanced work. Students may gain exposure to quantitative methods, applied econometrics, and intermediate-level economic analysis.

Why pursue a Minor in Economics at Fort Hays State University?

One of the main features of this program is its rigorous nature, which is highly valued and supported by businesses that hire our graduates. FHSU offers relatively low undergraduate tuition rates, and when combined with the intensive training provided to our students, it results in highly respected and sought-after programs throughout the state.

Another distinguishing factor is the relatively smaller class sizes in major courses and the fact that these courses are taught by full-time, academically qualified faculty. This allows students to interact directly with their professors during their classes.

Who is this program for?

The program is open to students of all majors. Since the classes will cover various topics in economics, the minor can be a valuable addition to various careers. These are some groups of people for whom the economics minor might be especially beneficial:

Students interested in pursuing a career in economics, finance, or related fields
Individuals who want to gain a better understanding of the economy and how it works
People aiming to become more financially literate
Individuals trying to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills
Business and finance enthusiasts

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Economics provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and applications. Completing the minor will enhance employability and career prospects in various fields. The program's learning outcomes are outlined as follows:

Develop a Strong Foundation in Economic Principles

The program provides students with a solid foundation in economic principles, covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will understand how markets work, how government policies affect the economy, and the factors that drive economic growth.

Acquire Quantitative Skills for Economic Analysis

We emphasize the development of quantitative skills for economic analysis. Students will learn to use statistical methods, econometrics, and other quantitative tools to analyze financial data and make informed decisions. It will prepare them for careers in various fields, including finance, banking, consulting, and government.

Gain Knowledge of Economic Systems and Policies

Students will understand more about economic systems and policies through elective courses in intermediate economics, financial markets, international economics or finance, and quantitative methods. These courses will help them better understand the world economy and how economic forces shape our lives.

Enhancement of Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills

We strive to challenge students to think critically and solve problems effectively. Students will be encouraged to develop their economic models and theories and learn how to apply economic concepts to real-world issues.

Real-World Applications

It's essential to have a transferable skill set to various industries. The Minor in Economics at Fort Hays provides students with a broad set of applied skills in economics that are valuable in a wide range of career paths.

The program offers a curriculum with applicable skills that seamlessly translate into various career paths. The minor offers training that also extends its reach to analytically-focused roles. Students completing the minor gain a distinct advantage, with transferable skills that make them stand out in the job market.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

As the economic landscape evolves, our commitment to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory remains unwavering. Our program aims to keep you at the forefront of the latest advancements and trends in economics so that you have sufficient skills and knowledge.

To be sure our curriculum remains current and relevant, our faculty regularly attends conferences and publishes research in leading economics journals. This ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the curve will expose you to the latest thinking and developments in the field.

Hands-on Activities

Our Minor in Economics offers a variety of activities to help students gain real-world experience in the field of economics. They can help students develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and they can also help them prepare for a career.

Students can participate in research activities by joining the Economics Club or completing ECON 601 (Quantitative Methods) as part of their minor program. ECON 601 is a research course that allows students to work on independent research projects under the supervision of a faculty member. The Economics Club is a student organization that provides opportunities for students to learn about current economic issues and to network with other students and professionals in the field.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics
Develop a strong foundation in economic theory and its applications
Acquire transferable skills that are valued in various industries
Gain a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and stay current with industry trends

How You’ll Learn:

Gain a strong foundation in economics through primary and advanced courses
Engage with experienced faculty in smaller class sizes for personalized interactions
Participate in hands-on research activities to gain real-world experience
Participate in the Economics Club to network with peers and professionals

Courses

The curriculum is carefully curated by the economics faculty in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting, assuring a proper education that contains the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field. Students who focus on developing a strong foundation in economic principles emerge from the program with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

ECON 301: Intermediate Microeconomics

This course is an intermediate-level study of the theory of household and firm behavior. A study of how the market system organizes economic activity and an evaluation of its performance.

ECON 302: Intermediate Macroeconomics

This course is an intermediate-level study of theories of aggregate consumption, investment, net export, and government expenditures; determination of national output, employment, price level, interest, and exchange rates; derivation of aggregate demand and supply; implications of classical, Keynesian, supply-driven, rational expectations and real business cycle models; examination of the empirical evidence.

ECON 640: Money and Banking

This course is an examination of the institutional setting which facilitates the creation and transfer of money between individuals, firms, and governments, how the supply and demand for money affect and are affected by national output, employment, prices, interest, and exchange rates; derivation of aggregate demand using Hicks' IS-LM model; theories and evidence of fiscal and monetary policy effectiveness in an open economy.

Discover the full Minor in Economics course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career prospects

The Minor in Economics provides a secondary area of specialization to complement the students’ primary program of study, so it should provide evidence to employers that a student went above and beyond the requirements for their major program by completing a minor program.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate financial data and provide insights to businesses and investors. Their job is to analyze financial statements, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve financial performance.

Market Researcher

The market researcher gathers and analyzes data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This role focuses on conducting surveys and focus groups and analyzing sales data to identify market opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies.

Economic Policy Analyst

Economic policy analysts work in government and non-profit organizations to develop and evaluate economic policies. They research economic issues, analyze data, and recommend policy changes to promote economic growth and stability.

Business Analyst

Business analysts assess business processes, identify areas for improvement, and recommend solutions. The position involves working with various stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into actionable strategies.

Data Scientist

Data science extracts valuable insights from large datasets using statistical methods and machine learning techniques. Data Scientists develop data models, analyze trends, and make predictions to inform business decisions.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online graduate tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related programs

FAQ

Can you get a Minor in Economics at FHSU?

Yes, Fort Hays State University offers a Minor in Economics.

Is a Minor in Economics useful?

A Minor in Economics can be a valuable addition to your resume. It can help you develop skills needed for a variety of careers.

Is a Minor in Economics worth it?

Whether or not a Minor in Economics is worth it depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are interested in a career in economics or a related field, then a minor can be a valuable asset.

What jobs can you get with a Minor in Economics?

There are several jobs that you can get with a Minor in Economics. Some of the most common jobs include financial analyst, business analyst, or market researcher.

How many hours do you need to complete the program?

It takes 21 credit hours to acquire the minor.

Department Information

FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting provides expertise in effectively and ethically managing money in both public and private sectors for a highly versatile, in-demand career path. Our department provides highly sought-after degrees in accounting, finance, and international business and economics. These programs are backed by career-centered internship opportunities, in-depth mentoring by faculty and staff, and flexible online degrees. Our programs prepare students for in-demand jobs, with courses that span the entire business landscape. The Robbins Banking Institute further enhances career preparation in the area of banking, offering a practical, real-time curriculum for rewarding careers. Our faculty, who are experts in their field and student-focused, support students to maximize individual growth.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Accounting Club: This club offers a valuable opportunity for accounting students to connect with peers and prepare for their future careers. It aims to help members explore the various opportunities available in the field of accounting and introduce them to potential employers. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers who hold accounting degrees and are actively working in the profession.
Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: The ACFE organization brings together students from many disciplines to promote the detection and prevention of fraud in business.
Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is available to all students regardless of their major or knowledge of economics with the goal of promoting the study of and interest in economics. The signature activity of the club is to create a “Student Price Index” through a collaborative research project on FHSU student economic expectations. The club members typically take a trip to a major city in the U.S. every year.
Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club strives to assist in the professional, educational, and social development of college students interested in finance. The club also encourages interaction between the business sector, faculty, and students at FHSU. As part of club operations, they bring in speakers and take trips around the U.S. to learn more about the finance field.
International Business Club: This club strives to improve students’ awareness and understanding of global business practices and economic issues. These issues are explored from diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the club aims to develop global citizen-leaders by enhancing students’ professional, educational, and social development through its discussions, activities, and international travel experiences.

Tiger Money Mentors

The Tiger Money Mentors Program is housed in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting and directed by a financial planning faculty member. This program provides free financial guidance from students you can trust. This is a group of trained, money-savvy students passionate about helping you take care of your finances. They offer one-on-one sessions to answer your financial questions on a variety of financial topics, including:

Organizing your finances and spending
Creating and sticking to a budget
Developing a plan to reach your short- and long-term financial goals
Understanding your student loans and repayment options
Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
Obtaining and reviewing your credit report
And more!