Markets and Civil Society is one of two specializations, along with Markets & Public Policy, offered by our interdisciplinary faculty group with expertise in economics, political science, philosophy, and related disciplines. Courses, which engage contemporary debates and cutting-edge research, explore the moral foundations of the free society and the market and non-market conditions for human flourishing. The specialization begins with a sequence of coursework in Foundations of Economic Thought, and is rounded out with signature courses on Family & Society and Catholic Social Thought & Political Economy. Elective courses are available in Advanced Topics in Economic Thought and other complementary areas. 

The Markets and Civil Society specialization is an invigorating stand-alone program, but also may be paired with any of the other specializations. It is especially suitable for students interested in law, policy, research, journalism, communications, public service, health care, and entrepreneurship. As a more theoretical program, it is also an excellent choice for students interested in minoring outside the business school, or interested in a double major with one of our 12 other schools.

Specialization courses include:

  • SRES 345 (formerly 251): Family & Society
  • SRES 315: CST & Political Economy
  • SRES 350: Education & Religion in Social Research
  • Elective. Choose one below:
    • SOC 281: Population, Environment and Society
    • SRES 260: Game Theory and Strategic Thinking
    • SRES 330: Work in the 21st Century: Career and Identity in the New Economy
    • SRES 333: Economy and Society in Cont. China
    • SRES 470: Justice, Soc Justice and Nat'l Law
    • ENT 476/SRES 476: The Spirit of Entrepreneurial Capitalism
    • MGT 490: International Business-Developing Countries
    • SOC 206: Families and Society
    • POL 211: Intro to Political Theory
    • POL 212: Intro to International Relations
    • POL 220: Intro to Law and Politics

University Requirements

Students must also complete the core university requirements, specific to their major, in order to complete their degree. Business students are required to complete courses which include: philosophy, theology, humanities, literature, writing and composition, and free electives.

See complete degree requirements, including business and liberal arts requirements.