Economics (BA) - Regional Economic Development

About

Economics is the study of how people choose to use resources — such as people, land, property or knowledge. Government, business and the non-profit industry can all face complex problems related to resources, and economics majors can help solve them.

The Economics (BA) - Regional Economic Development degree at Appalachian State University is a liberal arts-focused degree designed for students who want careers in city planning and economic development, perhaps conducting economic impact studies. The program prepares students to analyze human behavior related to work, production, distribution and consumption, think logically and make good decisions for their employers. Classes in this department are small, professors give close attention and each student has opportunities for research. Like other BA degrees at App State, this major has a language requirement.

The Department of Economics also offers the Economics (BSBA) degree for students planning to work in the private, for-profit world of business.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates find jobs in various city governments and consulting firms. Employers that consistently hired App State economics majors include Bank of America, Walmart, Hyatt, State Farm Insurance, Crowne Automotive, Pinehurst Resort, IBM, the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Graduate school: Economics majors go to graduate schools all over the U.S., but many choose the master’s program in economics at UNC Greensboro.

Career Exploration website

People

Faculty Profile: Dr. John Whitehead
“The skills that (students) learn as part of the research… are things they can use at their jobs. It’s exciting to see a student get interested in applying economic analysis outside the classroom.”

– Dr. John Whitehead, professor

Meet more faculty

Courses

Program of Study
Four Year Guide

Click on the pdf for your major
NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

Minors

A minor is required. The minor must be selected from the following: Community and Regional Planning, Geography, Political Science, General Business, Appalachian Studies, other minors with the permission of the chairperson.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Economics Club — Students interested in governmental, economic and social issues are encouraged to join the economics club. The club provides a forum for discussion and socialization with students, faculty and guest speakers with similar interests.

Omicron Delta Epsilon — The international honor society in economics is open to undergraduates who have completed 15 semester hours of economics courses, maintain a “B” average and have a genuine interest in economics.

CERPA Undergraduate Research Scholars Program — Provides exceptionally capable and well-motivated students an opportunity to participate in all phases of social, economic and policy research under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Global Learning

All business students fulfill an international requirement, and an increasing number choose to study abroad through a wide variety of exchange programs. The college maintains partnerships with universities across the globe and continues to expand groundbreaking opportunities in emerging markets.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for declaring a major within the Walker College of Business are detailed here.

Apply

Visit

Connect

Degrees

Want to learn more?

Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

Students find jobs directly after graduation, while this degree also provides a sound foundation for graduate study in law, business, and finance and policy analysis.
All students take the senior seminar, in which they conduct in-depth research and analysis of selected economic issues and make a presentation — just like professionals in the field.
In lieu of business core courses, students in this degree focus on a minor related to regional economic development, such as geography or political science.
The Department of Economics maintains a seminar series with key figures in economics, including Noble Laureates, members of the Council of Economic Advisors and top academic economists.
The Truist Student Leadership Center offers consultation to all business majors on choosing a career, preparing for interviews and exploring internships and employment.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

Economic Analyst
Operations or Systems Specialist
Government analyst or Statistician
Management or Sales Professional
Lawyer
Agricultural Analyst
International Trade
Health Care Analyst
Investment Analyst

View more career possibilities

Contacts

Walker College of Business

Department of Economics

Dr. Dave McEvoy
Chair
mcevoydm@appstate.edu
828-262-6126

Jeanne Lawrence
Administrator
lawrencji@appstate.edu
828-262-2148

Department of Economics
The Department of Economics offers diverse courses that cover standard fields such as micro and macro theory, labor, public finance, regional and development economics. The department is particularly strong in the areas of environmental and experimental economics. It offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Walker College of Business
Well ranked
- Consistently named one of “The Best Business Schools” by The Princeton Review.
- An international requirement of all business majors, which can include study abroad in traditional and emerging markets.
- The Holland Fellows Program for Business Study in Asia, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for selected students to collaborate with students from Fudan University (Shanghai, China) in classes, on project assignments and through visits.
Highlighting Sustainability
- Leaders in creating a world where environmental, societal and economic qualities exist in balance to meet the resource needs of today and of future generations.
Outstanding Academics
- Small classes and easy access to faculty, who are focused on teaching and learning and engaged in research.
- An emphasis on practical experience and interaction with professionals through the Boyles Lecture Series, McLeod Entrepeneur Summit, Global Opportunities Conference and other annual events.
- A 4+1 MBA in select programs
Student Support Services
- Student Support Services that include academic advising, scholarships, the Truist Student Leadership Center, which provides opportunities for business students to build job and life skills through professional and leadership development training, and the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, which aims to help students and recent alumni launch successful businesses and enhance Western North Carolina’s economy.