Economics

Economics examines the way resources are allocated to meet human wants and needs.  The study of economics explores production, development and management of wealth. Economics typically is divided into two approaches; Macroeconomics and Microeconomics.  Macroeconomics is the study of how the nation’s economy functions in an aggregate sense.  Students learn about resource usage; capitalism and the mixed economy; global markets; gross domestic product; inflation and recession; consumption and saving; Keynesian and Classical philosophies; and the fiscal and monetary policy of government.  Microeconomics is the study of how businesses and consumers interact but with a particular emphasis on how businesses make decisions about production, pricing, and profits/losses.  Students will learn about supply and demand; elasticity; utility; costs of production; perfect and imperfect competition; and the hiring resources for maximum profitability.

What can I do with this degree?
Career options: The obtaining of an Associate of Arts degree makes a student an alumnus of Tyler Junior College and verifies the completion of the core curriculum for transfer to a four-year institution.  In almost every case, it is to a student’s advantage to complete the Associate of Arts degree.  The completion of any course of study shows the student’s seriousness of purpose, persistence, and competence.  If circumstances prevent or delay the finishing of a four-year degree, the Associate of Arts can stand alone as a completed credential.  Some careers, such as secretarial and clerical work, teacher’s aide, or director of an early childcare center, may require nothing beyond the Associate of Arts.  On the other hand, in economics, as in most fields within the School of University Studies, it is typically recommended that the Associate of Arts not be viewed as a terminal degree.  Professional jobs usually require at least a bachelor’s degree, and candidates for the most desirable positions in the Economics field will have a master’s degree or even a doctorate.  Persons contemplating an economics major should carefully consider the time and money it will take to obtain the credentials needed for the career they have in mind.

Academic options: While this program is designed for direct employment, many of the courses can transfer to a four-year degree program.

Department/Contact Information: 

• Office of Advising : 903-510-2768
• Geoffrey Willbanks, Instructor, History/Department Chair, Social Sciences
  - Jenkins Hall 139 | gwil1@tjc.edu | 903-510-2768

REQUIRED COURSES
This degree may be earned with fewer than the displayed credits as long as the fulfilled course requirements total at least 60 credits.  Students must meet the Reading Requirement.  Complete required General Education, core and support courses.

* Indicates courses required for graduation from Tyler Junior College with an Associate in Arts degree.  A total of 60 hours must be completed to earn an AA degree.  In addition, students must complete the General Graduation Requirements for all Degrees listed in the TJC Catalog.

Visual/Performing Arts:
ARTS 1301; DRAM 1310; MUSI 1306; ARTS 1303, 1304; DANC 2303; DRAM 2361, 2362; MUSI 1308, 1309

Humanities:
COMM 1307; ENGL 2322, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333, 2352, 2353; HIST 2311, 2312; HUMA 1301, 1302; PHIL 1301, 2306; FREN 2311, 2312; SPAN 2311, 2312, 2317; SGNL 2301, 2302

Social/Behavioral Science:
ECON 2301, 2302; GEOG 1303; PSYC 2301, 2314, 2319; SOCI 1301, 2301, 2331

Laboratory Sciences:
Must be lab-based and includes chemistry, biology, geology, physics, and astronomy.

Institutional Option:
AGRI 1309; BCIS 1301; BCIS 1405; ENGR 2304; FREN 2311; SGNL 2301; SPAN 2311

**This is a suggested degree plan and students are strongly encouraged to seek advisement for course planning from their academic advisor or faculty advisor.  Since senior college requirements differ, Tyler Junior College recommends that all students who plan to transfer check with their senior college regarding transferability of particular classes into degree requirements.  The final responsibility for the selection, scheduling, and satisfactory completion of degree or certificate requirements rests with the student.**