The Department of Economics and Management offers two majors leading to a BA in Economics or to a BS in Business Management. A double major in both Economics and Management is also available. In addition, double major programs are available in Economics and Political Science (BA degree) and Economics and Mathematics (BA degree).

As a small, selective program, we are able to satisfy students who desire individualized attention. Each of our programs prepares students to be successful and productive members of any organization they join, enables them to contribute to the greater good of society, and provides a solid foundation from which they can expand and learn throughout their personal and professional lives.

The Economics major is primarily designed to build a framework by which a student can learn to analyze economic issues in contemporary society. As a broadly-based social science, the program in Economics will consider various societal concerns such as unemployment, inflation, the environment, income distribution, poverty, global trade and competitiveness. The student receives a systematic introduction to the basic theoretical and empirical techniques of economics, and has a range of upper level electives which provide deeper appreciation of various economic topics. A major in Economics is suited to accommodate a broad range of student interests, including preparation for careers in business or government, and graduate school in economics, business, law, or public administration.

The Business Management major provides an analytical framework for applied decision making in the business world, along with practical preparation for tomorrow’s workplace. After completion of a core of business courses, which provide fundamental business skills, students concentrate their studies in one of five functional areas. Course work throughout the program attempts to present students with a broad perspective of managerial decision making and includes consideration of moral and cultural constraints and issues regarding diversity. This integrative approach is reinforced in our final capstone courses; Business Policy/Strategy and International Business.

The concentrations that are available to the Business Management major include the primary functional areas of business: Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing, along with a specialized concentration in Aviation Management. While students need to satisfy at least one of these area’s requirements, there is no prohibition on taking courses from more than one concentration. The intent of these concentrations is to allow flexibility and variety so that students are able to develop an individualized portfolio of skills that meets their educational and professional objectives.

The emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning is reinforced by the Business Internship program. Each year, this program places upper-level students who have demonstrated academic proficiency at local and regional business organizations. Through these internship opportunities, students are able to get first-hand exposure on how analytical classroom material applies to real world business situations.

For more information about the Department of Economics and Management, visit our homepage: http://wwwbus.westfield.ma.edu/.

Programs

• Business Management, Accounting Concentration, B.S.
• Business Management, Aviation Management (non-flight) Concentration, B.S.
• Business Management, Finance Concentration, B.S.
• Business Management, Management Concentration, B.S.
• Business Management, Marketing Concentration, B.S.
• Business Minor
• Commercial Recreation and Tourism Minor
• Economics and Finance Double Major, B.A.
• Economics and Mathematics Double Major, B.A.
• Economics and Political Science Double Major, B.A.
• Economics Minor
• Economics, B.A.
• Finance Minor

Courses

• MRKT 0354 - Fieldwork in Commercial Recreation and Tourism
• MRKT 0399 - Independent Study: Marketing