Overview

The study of economics explains how people make choices and helps us understand societal, business related and global issues. Economics is a particularly useful major in today's ever-changing global job market. A degree in economics provides problem-solving and analytical skills, which are applicable in many professions and careers.

The goal of the program is to understand the decisions of businesses and consumers as well as the implications and causes of economic issues. The Economics Faculty at Özyeğin University is committed to delivering first-class undergraduate and graduate programs and to producing high quality economics research.

Being a good economist requires important traits - both technical and personal. These include but are not limited to:

• Passion for economics
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking ability
• Strong understanding and interpretation of statistics
• Excellent computer skills and effective use of statistical software
• Strong knowledge of advanced mathematics and problem solving ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Our B.A. program in Economics aims to provide a world-class education to provide our students with the skills they will need towards becoming first class economists who will be the drivers of the economy, not only in Turkey but also around the world.

Students of the undergraduate Economics Department will participate in a program predominantly composed of General Courses and Program Courses during the first two years. Students will begin to acquaint themselves with the specific business sectors with “Introduction to Sectors” and "Sectoral Solutions" courses delivered under "Program Courses" in their second and third year. During their third year, students will take "Program Courses" designed to deepen their knowledge of different fields economics. In addition to the must courses, students will also be able to take courses concerning the subjects they are interested in within the scope of Elective Courses.

Graduation Requirements

Economics students must complete at least 44 course hours and 120 credits (240 ECTS) to graduate from the program.

The graduation requirements for the undergraduate Economics program are summarized below:

Internship Requirements for Graduation

Mandatory internships and certificate programs are part of the graduation requirements. Students will complete in a compulsory internship program for a minimum of eight weeks. The internship program will complement the undergraduate program and enable the students to be further acquainted with the career opportunities.

At least 4 ECTS Internships/Certificates must be completed for graduation. The minimum requirements can be completed in two possible ways:

• Complete a 12 week (60 workday) internship (at least 4 ECTS) or
• Complete an 8 week (40 workday) internship (at least 3 ECTS) and 1 ECTS certificate program.

The Economics group has been on an upward trajectory through its efforts in recruiting and retaining highly productive faculty. Please visit our seminar page for information about recently presented work. The undergraduate economics page gives detailed information about our undergraduate B.A. program. Finally, the faculty profiles give detailed information about our growing faculty.

Career Prospects

Economics is a wide field with a variety of applications and our students, upon completion of their B.A. degrees, can be employed at:

• International organizations, such as International Monetary Fund (IMF), The U.S. Federal Reserve (FED), World Bank, United Nations (UN), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD);
• International banking institutions, such as J. P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley;
• Consulting companies, such as McKinsey, Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group; 
• State institutions and agencies, such as Central Bank, Istanbul Stock Exchange, Competition Authority, Capital Markets Board of Turkey, Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade, Undersecretariat of Treasury, and State Planning Organization;
• Financial institutions, such as banks and insurance companies; 
• Audit companies, such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst&Young, and Deloitte;

An Economics graduate can also undertake graduate study (Master’s and/or Ph.D.) in a field such as economics, finance, marketing, or accounting, either to find employment at more advanced/senior positions in the private/public sector, or to pursue an academic career as a professor at a university.