Economics
About the Program
The TTU College of Business Department of Economics, Finance & Marketing prioritizes
providing students with an innovative learning experience that teaches them the necessary
analytical and critical thinking skills to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
During the first two years of our programs, EFM students take several core classes
that collectively build a strong business foundation. In the remaining years, students
take classes that allow them to specialize in the field of their choice. Our B.S.
in Economics is a STEM-designated degree (the only undergraduate degree in Economics
in the state of Tennessee with this designation) that focuses on Quantitative Economics
and Econometrics. Our students receive a very rigorous instruction in economic theory
and statistics, which prepares for industry and government positions, think tanks,
and graduate schools. In addition to the required courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics,
and Statistics/Econometrics, our students can choose electives in Behavioral Economics,
Game Theory, Labor Economics, Law and Economics, Organizational Economics, Natural
Resource Economics, and Economics of Healthcare.
Accreditation
The College of Business is accredited by the AACSB.
Degree Information
The Department of Economics, Marketing & Finance has a specialized curriculum designed to effectively prepare students to succeed in the field of Economics. Check out what classes you would be taking in our Course Catalog.
Career Opportunities in Economics
Our events are designed to help you forge connections with other economics professionals, learn more about the latest ideas in economics and take the next steps to grow your organization or enhance your career. Learn more about career opportunities in Economics »
Engagement Opportunities
The Economics, Marketing & Finance Department seeks to build on students' academic endeavors through co-curricular activities. These include student organizations, leadership opportunities, networking opportunities, and internships. Explore the various options available to you as a College of Business student below.
TVA Investment Challenge ›
The TVA Investment Challenge provides hands-on applications of advanced portfolio concepts through the management of a real investment portfolio. Students implement trading strategies, place trades, provide performance reports, and adhere to similar standards as professional money managers while acting as fund managers for the Tennessee Valley Authority. The primary objective of the TVA Investment Challenge is for students to manage an investment portfolio to maximize long-run capital growth subject to relevant risk factors and investment restrictions. Students will perform each of the following tasks:
- Research and evaluate prospective stock investments using ratios, financial statements, and relevant information about the firms and financial sectors.
- Integrate firm, sector, and macroeconomic data to assess the investment environment. Specifically, students will utilize and improve individual knowledge of fundamental firm analysis to select firms with long-term growth potential.
- Effectively communicate the investment process and portfolio performance in a variety of formats.
Research with Faculty ›
Participating in research with faculty is an extremely beneficial opportunity for student involvement. There are available grants for summer research students in which they can pursue a research topic with a faculty member and attend a conference to present the completed research. If you are interested in research in any economics field, please contact Dr. Sean Alley for more information.
Omicron Delta Epsilon ›
Omicron Delta Epsilon is the international honor society for economics students and professionals. Omicron Delta Epsilon recognizes academic excellence and achievements in the field of economics; establishes relationships between students and faculty in economics programs within universities and other academic institutions; publishes the national journal The American Economist, sponsors panels at professional meetings; and hosts research competitions. Economics, finance, and agricultural economics majors may become members of this organization by invitation. Juniors and seniors with a 3.0 QPA in at least twelve semester hours of economics courses are considered for membership.
Society for the Advancement of Finance and Economics (Safe) ›
The Society for the Advancement of Finance and Economics (SAFE) is a professional network that is primarily dedicated to research in various fields of finance. SAFE promotes the development and enhancement of financial and economic research by supporting multiple research projects, recognizing significant research contributions, and creating a platform for research and idea exchanges. On campus SAFE activities include guest lectures, a fund-raiser, and social events. The society also helps coordinate the internship program and provides tutoring services to students in finance and economics related courses. SAFE is open to all students interested in a finance or economics major. Letters concerning the organization are mailed to students who have declared such majors, but interested freshmen and sophomores are also welcome to join.
Study Abroad ›
The College of Business at TTU is proud to offer study abroad programs to its students. We aim to personally customize your trip to best fit your academic and financial needs, location and cultural interests, and desired abroad experiences. Specific to the COB, we have two main study abroad opportunities:
- » Faculty Led TripEach school year, a qualified professor (or professors) teaches a course on business in a specific country. At the end of the course, the class visits the country to experience firsthand the content they learned all semester. If you want to study abroad but are unsure about long term commitment, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You can travel with a group and decide if studying abroad is of real interest to you! There is an additional cost to take these classes to help fund the trip. Past trips include visits to London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Brazil. If you are interested in enrolling in this international study experience or have further questions, please contact Dr. Jaime Williams for more information.
- » FH AachenThe International Business 4-Year Program enables students to overcome international borders, language barriers, and cultural differences within all business contexts. After their sophomore year at TTU, students complete their 3rd year in Aachen, Germany. FH Aachen takes a distinct international approach, allowing students to graduate with a prestigious dual degree, i.e. a degree from Tennessee Tech University and also from the University of Applied Sciences in Aachen. This opportunity optimally prepares degree holders to earn jobs in internationally operating companies.
Check out the FH Aachen website for more information: Aachen University of Applied Sciences. If you have any inquiries about program fees, classes, etc., contact studyabroad@tntech.edu
Internships ›
Internships play a massive role in departments across the entire College of Business. Featured to the right is 2022 TTU graduate Lauren Montgomery, who recently interned with Elliot Davis. Below is the testimonial she provided about her internship experience.
“Elliott Davis is a public accounting firm, and I worked out of the Nashville office. Through this experience with Elliott Davis, I learned about various types of audits. I learned about internal audits, compliance, and loan reviews. The internship experience at Elliot Davis benefited me for my future because I could meet so many different people and build great relationships with coworkers. I now know more about what public accounting looks like from an audit perspective.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Student Organizations
The Department of Economics, Marketing & Finance offers a variety of co-curricular leadership and learning opportunities to qualifying students through student organizations and honors societies. Each has at least one faculty advisor; therefore, our students can network and collaborate with faculty in and out of the classroom. Please check out their spotlight lights below for more information about them and the contact information for getting involved.
Alpha Kappa Psi is a national co-ed business fraternity that aims to provide ethical leadership and professional development to
its members. To achieve association initiatives, Alpha Kappa Psi sponsors professional
speakers, oversees service projects, and hosts social activities. All undergraduate
and graduate business or industrial technology majors and business minors who have
at least a 2.1 QPA are eligible to pledge.
Economics Faculty & Staff
