Economic Development, B.A.

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Description

Economic Development majors obtain a firm, evidence-based grounding in economic development principles and public policy issues. They analyze the problems of urban areas, develop solutions, and apply finance and analytical tools to improve urban areas.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Graduates hold managerial and administrative roles in real estate development, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. You may go on to hold positions including: Community Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, Community Development Specialist, Data Analysis, Economic Development Specialist, Executive Director, Financial Administration, International Business Development, Neighborhood Stabilization, Program Specialist, Project Coordinator, Public Service, Real Estate Development, Site Location Analyst, Urban Planner, Workforce Development.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: analytical skills; finance; problem-solving; critical-thinking; communication; leadership; management; and passion for public service.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 33

School Requirements

Students must fulfill all School of Urban Affairs Requirements , including completion of UST 200 , UST 404 , UST 405 , and UST 490 .

Major-Field Requirements

A. Required courses (8 courses)

B. Electives - Choose 3 classes (9 credit hours minimum), including at least one Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) class

Honors Program/University Scholars Requirements

Honors/Scholars students pursuing a major within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs (Urban and Regional Studies, Organizational Leadership, Public Safety Management, Nonprofit Administration, Economic Development, and Environmental Studies) are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of 300-400 level honors courses as described below.

Honors Thesis or Exit Requirements (choose one):

Honors/Scholars students may choose to pursue an Honors thesis, consisting of original research supervised by an Urban Affairs faculty member.
Honors/Scholars students may take UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar , UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations or another capstone requirement as a contract course.

The remaining 9 credit hours of Honors courses shall consist of any combination of contract courses and regular Honors offerings within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, with at least one course in the student’s major field.