The basic objective of the Department of Economics is the development of students? understanding of economics as the social science that deals with production, consumption, and market exchange activities. All students begin with Introduction to Economics. Majors advance through a core of analytical courses and choose among a series of options in theoretical and applied economics. Students with an interest in graduate work leading to careers in such fields as economics, law, business or public administration, and the foreign service are asked to discuss these objectives early in their college careers in order to plan an adequate program in economics. While not an undergraduate business or professional school, the department provides essential background for a variety of career interests.