Economics Department to Add Bachelor of Science Degree
The faculty members present during the March 9 meeting in McCook
Auditorium voted unanimously to add the Economics Department to the
list of departments and programs authorized to offer the Bachelor of
Science degree. The addition of the new degree will allow students the
option of pursuing either a B.S. or B.A. in economics. In order to
receive the B.S. degree, students will be required to include in their
curriculum courses with more mathematical and statistical orientation.
The Bachelor of Science in Economics will be offered next fall.
As indicated by the stated rationale for the additional degree, the
economics field is much more mathematics-based than ever before and
the lack of math in Trinity’s B.A. program can limit what students
learn. Because most modern economics literature presupposes that
students understand the basic concepts of calculus and/or statistical
methods, much of that literature is beyond the grasp of current
students—thereby limiting the scope of their education. “This provides
a good option for students who are capable of handling more
mathematics and will enable them to do more economics,” explains
Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy Andrew Gold. “At
the same time, we are still committed to economics as a liberal art.”
Another issue that prompted the addition of the B.S., according to the
rationale, is the ability to properly prepare students for graduate
work in economics. The new degree will provide an incentive for
students to take courses that will better prepare them if they choose
to pursue Ph.D.-level work in economics. Up until now this systemic
limitation has been addressed informally through the advising process,
with faculty members encouraging students to acquire more math skills
as needed.
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