Department of Economics,
Finance, & Marketing

Graduates initially work as junior members of a team in carrying out economics research projects needed for making various business decisions. In most cases the project will be a type of impact study of potential decision/policy options. For multinational corporations and government agencies, the typical economic analysis will include incorporation of social, political, and cultural factors. For such large organizations, each entry level employee is given an opportunity to develop a specialization area with respect to either business sectors (industry specialist) or geographical regions (“country desk” specialist, specializing for example, in Southeastern United States or Latin America).

PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In the mid-state region of Tennessee, placement locations include:

• Local, regional and state planning and development offices

• Commercial banks

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

• Nashville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

• Provident Insurance

• J.C. Bradford and Company

POSITION TITLES

The following are common position titles held by Economics graduates:

Entry Level:

• Junior/Assistant Economist

• Economic Analyst

• Research Analyst

• Analyst

• Management Trainee

Advanced Level:

• Economist/Senior Economist

• Director of Economics or Research Division

• Vice-President for Research

SALARY INFORMATION

The national average yearly salary for students graduating in the curriculum of Economics is $39,438. Salaries my vary by region.
(Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers, September 2003.)

WHAT IS ECONOMICS?

The economics program is a popular undergraduate major for those interested in attending graduate or law school. The most important qualities necessary to succeed in the program are the abilities to think logically and to adapt to a changing environment. Most organizations with global activities prefer applicants with one foreign language proficiency.

“A business degree from TTU offers more than just the specific academic skills. You also receive a very broad and well-rounded education that includes many professional skills. I saw early on the value of my degree when co-workers at Xerox had degrees from other large name universities and I was performing as well if not better than they did. I am very proud of my degree from Tennessee Tech.”

Tracey Narrie Duncan, ‘88,
Tennessee Technological University
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

GET INVOLVED!

Society for the Advancement of Finance and Economics (SAFE)

Advisor: Dr. Bob Wood
Office: JH 334, 372-3879
Email: bgwood@tntech.edu

This organization in the College of Business 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. Activities include guest lectures, a fund-raiser, and social events. The society also helps coordinate the internship program. Tutoring is made available through members of this organization.

College of Business Administration
Tennessee Technological University
Department of Economics, Finance
and Marketing

Campus Box 5083
Cookeville, TN 38505

Telephone: (931) 372-3745
Fax: (931) 372-6249
mstephens@tntech.edu