Economics

Department Office
Stevenson Hall 2042
(707) 664-2377
www.sonoma.edu/sbe

Department Chair
Michael Visser

Administrative Analyst
Jen Aaseth

Administrative Coordinator
Laura Shepherd

Faculty

Puspa Amri
Florence Bouvet
Steven Cuellar
Robert Eyler*
Merlin Hanauer
Chong-Uk Kim
Astha Sen
Michael Visser

*Currently Dean of SEIE

Economics is a social science that focuses on the organization of economic systems for the production of goods and services and the distribution of wealth and income. The SSU Economics Department is committed to excellence in providing students an education to meet the challenges of the future in a wide variety of careers.

The B.A. degree program has three basic objectives: to provide a sound grasp of the tools of economic analysis and measurement; to provide an understanding of institutional development and the interrelation of economic and social factors; and to develop the student’s ability to apply systematic analysis and understanding to decisionmaking in both the private and the public sectors.

Many courses deal with the structure and performance of a particular institution or policy area within the economy. Students can follow their career and intellectual interests by taking these types of courses.

Many faculty have served as practicing economists with public agencies or private firms, bringing a rich background of practical experience analyzing policy issues and problems to their teaching.

Careers in Economics

The curriculum and teaching program of the department are designed for students who seek employment in the public or private sector upon graduation and those who wish to pursue graduate studies in economics, business, public administration, law, and other fields.

Many of the department’s graduates have started their careers with major financial institutions, corporate businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. They find employer preferences for well-trained economics majors as budget analysts, management trainees, marketing specialists, program planners, teachers, and a wide variety of entry-level jobs in which employers expect a person to be able to apply systematic thinking and analysis.

Learning Objectives

Objectives Specific to Economics

Students are required to:

Articulate an understanding of economic terms, concepts, and theories;
Identify subjective and objective aspects of economic policy;
Use both qualitative and quantitative reasoning to analyze social and economic issues; and
Demonstrate an awareness of current and historic economic issues and perspectives.

General Skills

In the course of meeting the objectives specific to economics, students are expected to acquire and demonstrate:

Critical-thinking abilities;
Communication skills; and
Quantitative and information-based skills.

Relating Knowledge to Values

Students are expected to acquire and demonstrate:

An awareness of global, historical, and institutional economic issues; and
Understanding of choices and values behind economic policy formation.

Common Searches