Economics. Economics of regional development

Economics is one of the key social sciences, along with sociology, political science, psychology and anthropology. It is fundamental to understanding the world we live in today. In economics we study how society uses its limited resources and how decisions are made by governments, businesses and individuals about how to set priorities. Economics can be split into two main areas: Macroeconomics, which looks at the big picture to develop understanding of how global and national economies work and are managed by governments; and microeconomics, which focuses on how individuals and organizations work to meet their needs.

The range and depth of the program will ensure that graduates are highly competitive in the labor market.  The program provides graduates with a range of conceptual and strong analytical skills which are useful in both public and private sectors. Economists are found in many professions such as real estate, banking and finance and in analytical divisions of major public sector organizations such as the government ministries and regional development agencies.

This program is aimed at students who want to understand how cities and regions function in a market economy and how balanced development can be supported by business and government.

Building on the foundation of economic theory and analysis gained in the program’s required courses, students who major in regional development will take courses based on developing an understanding of how a mixed economy works and how public policy can support development, looking at development challenges in property and labor markets, entrepreneurship and small firms, the role of foreign investment, technology and large firms, before concluding with an integrated course in sustainable urban and regional development.

The range and depth of the program will ensure that graduates are highly competitive in the labor market.  Students who complete this program will be well placed to take positions across sectors. They will be able to contribute in the business sector in risk analysis, corporate relations and development, business planning and strategy development, including new ventures and innovation and environmental responsibility. They will also be competitive in public sector agencies such as the ministries concerned with economic development, and the many agencies in the cities and regions charged with economic development. In addition, graduates of the program will be well placed for international graduate study in the critically important field of urban and regional economics.

This program is aimed at students who want to understand the key role of agriculture in economic development and how balanced development of the sector can be supported by business and government.

Building on the foundation of economic theory and analysis gained in the program’s required courses, students who major in agricultural economics will take courses based on developing an understanding of the key concepts of agricultural science, the economics of the sector and its fundamental role in the rural economy.  The focus then shifts to entrepreneurship and small firm development policy and practice, the role of technology and innovation in agricultural modernization, issues concerning the food supply chain, logistics and marketing, before concluding with an integrated course in sustainable agricultural development.

The range and depth of the program will ensure that graduates are highly competitive in the labor market.  Students who complete this program will be well placed to take positions across sectors. They will be able to work in management positions across the agricultural sector in both the private public sectors, in areas as diverse as rural planning and development, food marketing, agricultural management, supply chain logistics, new venture development and the introduction of new technologies. In addition, graduates of the program will be well placed for international graduate study in the critically important field of agricultural economics.