Departmental Distinction in Economics

A new year-long research sequence (ECO 4397–4398) designed for our strongest students who want to engage in original economic research. The program will bring together a small cohort of up to 10 students who will work closely with faculty while developing and completing an honors thesis.
 
Students admitted to the program will spend the fall semester (ECO 4397) developing a research question, conducting a literature review, and preparing a formal research proposal. In the spring semester (ECO 4398), students will execute the project and produce a substantial honors thesis, culminating in a presentation to the department.
 
Unlike the previous distinction model, students will not need to find a faculty sponsor on their own. The sequence will be taught by a dedicated instructor who will guide students throughout the research process and supervise the development and completion of the thesis.
 
Importantly, the two-course sequence counts toward the Economics major as 6 advanced elective credits and also provides the opportunity to graduate with Departmental Honors Distinction in Economics.

Achieving distinction can provide several advantages for your future academic and professional plans:

• Stronger preparation for graduate study in economics, public policy, finance, and related fields through experience conducting independent research.
• A substantial research paper that can serve as a writing sample for graduate school applications.
• Demonstrated analytical and research skills that are highly valued by employers in consulting, finance, policy analysis, and research-oriented roles.
• A distinctive academic credential that signals initiative, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to complete a demanding long-term project.

Admission to the program is competitive and limited to 10 students each year.  For more information about the application process, please contact Dr. Saltuk Ozerturk at ozerturk@smu.edu.