What makes a major in Economics from Illinois College distinctive?
The Economics major is dedicated to developing a very wide and diverse understanding of economics in the world by using instruction, preparatory training tools and methods of scientific inquiry.  It emphasizes both economic theories and applications.  It is intended to give an understanding of the nature, operation and problems of the economy and today’s business world.  The classes are designed to meet the needs of students desiring a broader understanding of economic applications.   Whether it is in the students’ own environment or if they are planning a career in business.  The major is designed to develop excellence in understanding economic or financial analysis and to prepare majors for graduate studies.
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What opportunities are available for students interested in economics?

Investment Club-The Illinois College Warren Billhartz Student Investment Club is a student organization, which teaches what investing consists of and how to invest wisely.  In using real money, the students have the chance to see firsthand the effects the market has on the investment portfolio.  Along with learning various skills, the group also takes various trips throughout the year to businesses such as the Archer Daniel Midland’s headquarters in Decatur, IL and Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, NE.

Breakaway Program-This offers a unique opportunity for students to learn outside of the classroom.  Recent breakaway trips have included a trip to Germany to study the German economy and environmental policy and also to Austria to study Austrian history, culture and economy. 

A trip is currently being planned to study international environmental policy and attend an international environmental policy meeting.

Internships/Field Work-Illinois College economic majors often participate in internships with companies in Jacksonville and the surrounding area.  Recent internships have been done at Merrill Lynch, Morgan County Housing Authority, AG Edwards, Jacksonville Savings Bank and DOT Foods.

What do our economic majors do after graduating from Illinois College?
Your major in economics can prepare you for careers in for-profit business, non-profit business, government, law and charitable agencies.  Economics trains you to think in a way that is useful in solving problems.  That is the most important skill that organizations want their employees to have.  Our economic majors entering the work force have become financial advisors, associate analyst, policy advisors, attorneys, mortgage bankers and human resource specialists.  They have been employed by Southwester Bell Telephone, AXA Advisors, FDIC, Illinois Commerce Commission and the State of Illinois just to name a few.

Recently some Illinois College economic majors have pursued graduate study.  A degree in economics prepares you for study in many fields such as business management, finance, public and international policy, economics and law school.  Recent graduate schools that have been attended by our graduates are Roosevelt University, University of Illinois-Springfield, De Paul University, Washington University, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

What objectives do faculty members in the economics department have for their majors?
Dr. Kevin Klein hopes “students will develop a thought process that allows them to analyze any situation through an economic viewpoint.  For example, how might the incentive structure system with international environmental laws be designed so that businesses and consumers respond by changing their behavior to create a cleaner environment?”
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Faculty Members in the Economics Department

Lawrence Y. Fu
Professor of Economics
B.A., National Taiwan University; M.S., University of Hawaii, Ph.D., University of Rochester

Kevin C. Klein
Professor of Economics
A.A.S., Illinois Central College; B.S., M.S., D.A., Illinois State University
Dr. Klein's Website

Economics Department Website

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