Economics

The liberal-arts-based undergraduate program in economics within the Bellarmine University Rubel School of Business develops the tools needed to understand a broad spectrum of economic events in both the private and public sectors. Economics provides the analytical tools that employers often seek. In addition, a degree in economics provides an excellent background for students planning to pursue graduate degrees in economics, finance, international studies, public policy, and the law. Students may choose to major in economics alone, or pair the major with a complementary degree such as accounting, actuarial science, business, or foreign language and international studies. About two-thirds of our economics majors pursue internships at local businesses, or government internships in Frankfort or Washington. About one-third choose to study abroad in countries as diverse as China, Australia, Japan, and France.

A new interdisciplinary minor in Sports Studies at Bellarmine that requires 18 credit hours of cross-discipline study in the areas of economics, communication, health, psychology and law teaches students how to analyze this area as sports becomes a stronger and stronger force in business and popular culture. Bellarmines Institute of Media, Culture and Ethics plays a critical role in providing supplemental activities such as sports-related seminars and guest speakers.

1. Economics graduates will demonstrate the ability to critique issues affecting the global economy.
2. Economics graduates will demonstrate quantitative literacy.
3. Economics graduates will demonstrate proficiency within the field of economics in both written and oral communication.
4. Economics graduates will demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary to undertake original research in economics.
5. Economics graduates will demonstrate the ability to recognize and analyze ethical problems that arise in economics.

Students with undergraduate or advanced degrees in economics may pursue a wide range of careers in both the private and public sectors. Private-sector opportunities include jobs in areas such as banking, finance, economic forecasting, energy management, insurance, real estate, marketing, data management, general management, and research and development. Opportunities in the public sector include jobs at the local, state, or federal level of government or with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank. Many of our graduates have earned permanent positions at these companies. Some graduates have gone on to become entrepreneurs.

• A completed online application form.
• Credentials & Transcripts: Undergraduate applicants who have attended post-secondary schools, colleges, universities, or professional institutions outside the United States must submit their academic records to SpanTran or World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL: The minimum scores are: Paper-based test 550, Internet based test 79 or 80, or Computer based test 213, MELAB: Obtain a score of 78 or higher, IELTS: Obtain a score of 6.0 or higher. Duolingo English Test: Obtain a score of 105 or higher (The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Bellarmine University when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session).
  1. Language training at an approved center.
  2. Prior educational experiences in TOEFL Exempt Countries. Students who have a secondary or high school diploma earned in TOEFL exempt countries have met the requirement. Additionally, international students who have completed at-least one year of full time university study or its equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 24 earned credit hours or its equivalent and earned a 2.0 GPA) in an exempt country have met the requirement.
  3. ACT or SAT. Students for whom English is a second language and have outstanding language skills may submit either ACT (21 composite or higher) or SAT (1060 or higher) scores in lieu of other evidence.
  4. Proof of Funding: A bank statement or letter of commitment demonstrating ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year.
  5. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at-least one letter of recommendation from a prior teacher, professional academic counselor, or another individual who’s professional standing is appropriate to access the student’s ability to succeed in college and who is aware of the student’s language skills.