1. The Objectives of the University

(1)        To offer education that is underpinned with empowerment, entrepreneurship, computer and             research skills which will enable the graduates to be job creators.

(2)        To train and produce competent researchers whose investigations will solve some of the    problems of this millennium.

(3)        To participate in community outreaches and forge strong linkages with the communities    and the private sector.

(4)        To increase student enrollment and new programmes that meet the needs of the society.

(5)        Undertake, achieve and maintain high caliber and motivated staff.

(6)        To undertake and expand the University infrastructure.

(7)        To improve finance base through continuous mobilization of funds to increase access         university education.

 

2. Programme Name and Duration

The programme name is Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA ECON)

The Duration of the Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA ECON) programme is three academic years distributed into six semesters and each semester comprises of 17 weeks. The last two weeks of semester are reserved for examinations. Internship will be carried out at the end of thelast academicyear and will take two months.

 

3. Programme Description

Economics is one of the most established disciplines in academics with an underlying philosophy that primarily focuses at imparting theoretical and analytical skills necessary for understanding economic challenges, problems and upheavals confronted by individuals, households, firms, organizations, nations and the world as a whole. Theoretically, Economics has developed over a period spanning millennia, adopting a variety of tools of analysis to investigate how the dynamics of production, distribution, exchange and consumption are governed.

At organizational, national and international levels the discipline provides guidelines that facilitate the process of developing and adopting policy strategies for efficient utilization of the available but limited resources. Welfare concerns that involve improving the standards of living have been pivotal to the debate and developing the scope of economics. Economists have also been at the forefront of providing the frameworks of studying and engaging policy solutions to challenges in the contemporary world.   

Specialized training in Economics, therefore, is urgently demanded in academia, business, local and central government departments, civil society, international and non – governmental organizations, research and consulting institutions. The degree in Economics sufficiently prepares one to pursue a career in finance, banking and business and not mention academics. Then, whereas on one hand the degree programme in Economics should be designed with call for understanding of broader issues of life and society, on the other, attention has to be paid on developing practical skills and rigorous reasoning powers.

The Department of Economics at the St Lawrence University introduced a Bachelor of Arts in Economics programme in 2008/2009academic year. As a full time and three year graduation programme, the course is primarily meant to provide a strong grounding of Economics to students. However, unlike the most programmes at Economics departments of other universities limited to only the mainstream subject, the course design of the at the St Lawrence University, in addition, offers students with the training in Kiswahili, transformation modeling etc that widens the scope and enriches the approach of tools and analysis. An area of investigation and analysis that is entirely absent in programmes of most other universities.    The BA in Economics is alsodesigned with a practical-oriented approach to problems and challenges in the economy of the developing countries. The programme is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in economic issues.

The programme aim at creating a class of graduates in Economics equipped not only with the strong foundation of economic theory but also with skills required to tackle and analyze the real world business and economic issues. Studying Economics at the St. Lawrence University provides a student with knowledge that acquaints him/her with skills to identify economic problems where they exist and to reason through them towards a solution. The programme is well suited for students wishing to qualify as professional Economists.

Presently about 4/5^th of the world’s population still has to contend with the daily pain of underdevelopment manifested in form of poverty, unemployment climate change, extreme external dependency, poor governance, slow growth, social  inequality, and poor access to basics like good Health and Sanitation, sufficient Food supply and Nutrition, basic Education, Human security, and a habitable environment among others.

4. Programme Rationale

The understanding of the economic issues and problems faced by society is invaluable in the design of appropriate development policies, and in the implementation of development programmes that will yield desired goals. Thus there is need for a human resource that is well-grounded in the subject of development, and capable of identifying and addressing the development problems of society at each of the levels. Currently, there is a gap in this particular area of knowledge and expertise. There is also a need to expose students to monitoring and evaluation techniques plus gender related issues in society. 

5. Programme Objectives

The general objective of the programme is to create a class of graduates in Economics equipped not only with the strong foundation of economic theory but also with skills required to tackle and analyze the real world business and economic issues. Studying Economics at SLAU provides a student with knowledge that acquaints him/her with skills to identify economic problems where they exist and to reason through them towards a solution. With such a major objective the Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree programme is designed to achieve the following objectives:- 

i)          To equip students with a strong economic theory background that is of value in the           promotion of growth in the economies of the developing countries.

ii)         To offer valuable employable skills that can be used in public, private sector and industries.

iii)        To equip students with skills and knowledge that is relevant to economic planners of the   modern world.

iv)        To equip students with research analytical skills essential to the development of the           economy.

v)         To prepare students for post graduate studies at later stages.

vi)        To produce students that can be vital in passing on economics knowledge to the next        generation.

 

6. Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme students should have demonstrated the ability to critically evaluate and apply the theories and techniques of economics. Specifically, should be able to:

i)          Apply the knowledge and skills of Economic theory and practice

ii)         Explain Fundamental principles of Economics

iii)        Use basic tools of Economic analysis

iv)        Apply Quantitative methods and computing techniques in Economics and Research

v)         Clearly communicate using both English and Kiswahili

vi)        Peruse further studies.