The program in Economics provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical empirical tools necessary to function as an economist in today's complex economic world. These theories and tools are analyzed both within the institutional structure of developed market economies and in their specific applications to developing and non-market economies.
Although the fields of specialization of the Economics Major are not formally specified, one can identify three broad topics: macroeconomics, microeconomics and empirical (data) analysis.
The Economics curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following skill or competency-based student outcomes:
*analyze social phenomena in the context of their interrelationships with economic outcomes;
*use appropriate graphical or statistical analysis to demonstrate the effects of changes in significant variables to economic outcomes;
*analyze and predict the effect of changes in economic variables on related variables within the context of a coherent interrelated economic model;
*analyze how the markets function, how they allocate real and financial resources, and when they may fail to function properly;
*explain in written and in oral form the reasoning and application of economic analysis to social or political issues.
The Economics program trains students not only for advanced education in graduate and professional schools and also prepares students for immediate entry into business and government careers in which economic insight and analytical ability are valued.
Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate degree programs at prestigious universities at the United States and Western Europe, including Cornell University, Duke University, Harvard University, the London School of Economics, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Michigan and Yale University. Others have joined international companies and institutions such as Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG, Barclays Capital, BNP PARIBAS, BTC/Vivatel, the Bulgarian National Bank, Citigroup, Deloitte & Touche, the European Central Bank, General Electric, Kraft Foods, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the World Bank.
If you’ve never heard of Blagoevgrad, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Rough Guide to Bulgaria named the town the ‘coolest place in southwest Bulgaria,’ and with good reason.
It’s a small, vibrant university town (20,000 of the 80,000 residents are students!) within easy reach of the capital Sofia (a 1hr drive or easy bus ride away.)
There’s something for everyone in Blagoevgrad; the restored old quarter bustles with cafes and bars in a lively cultural scene set against beautiful architecture.
In town, you’ll be spoilt with 2.5km of leafy park alley for strolling, a fascinating historical museum and a rich program of events. Nightclubs, opera, restaurants and over 100 theater performances per year keep the lively population entertained.
It’s easy to get away and experience some of Bulgaria’s most stunning natural attractions too: the spa town of Sandanski, the Seven Lakes of Rila and two world-class ski resorts are close by. There are biking adventures to be had around town, and fans of hiking can take in some breathtaking views on foot.
For those seeking adventures further afield, you’ll be happy to find Macedonia on the doorstep (30km) and the delights of Greece only an hour’s drive away.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Blagoevgrad based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
