Economics

1. What is the Science of Economics?

Economics is a social science that examines how scarce resources can be used most efficiently to meet unlimited human needs. It analyzes the decisions made by individuals, households, firms, and governments, and the effects of these decisions on production, consumption, distribution, prices, employment, and growth.

The science of economics is fundamentally divided into two main branches: microeconomics examines consumer and firm behavior and the functioning of markets, while macroeconomics deals with aggregates concerning the economy as a whole, such as inflation, unemployment, national income, interest rates, and exchange rates. Through the theoretical models they develop and data analyses, economists strive to produce policies that will ensure the optimal allocation of resources and to understand the functioning of economic systems.

The Importance of Economics Education

Economics education equips students with the ability to analyze economic events both at the individual and firm (micro) level and at the national and global (macro) level. Students grasp the causes underlying economic developments, interpret theoretical models, read data, and learn to make projections for the future.

In addition, economics education develops transferable competencies that hold value regardless of the sector one works in: analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, evidence-based decision making, resource planning, and effective communication. In this respect, economics trains qualified human resources not only for the public and private sectors but also for the academic world.

3. Who Should Choose the Department of Economics?

The Department of Economics is a strong choice for students who can use their quantitative and verbal skills together, who are inclined toward logical and analytical thinking, and who have an inquisitive spirit. Candidates with the following characteristics have the potential to succeed in this department:

• Those who enjoy following current economic developments and the world agenda,
• Those who are comfortable working with numbers and graphs and enjoy interpreting data,
• Those with disciplined and organized study habits,
• Those open to critical thinking and able to evaluate events from different perspectives,
• Individuals who are sensitive to social problems and eager to develop policies and produce solutions.

Advantages of the Hasan Kalyoncu University Department of Economics

The Hasan Kalyoncu University Department of Economics offers a contemporary educational approach that combines theoretical knowledge with strong practical experience:

• A continuously updated curriculum aligned with current and global dynamics
• Workplace-based practical training grounded in real experience through the COOP program
• Expert and experienced academic staff
• Internship opportunities in industrial and commercial centers
• A learning environment enriched with academic and sectoral seminars
• Opportunities for study and exchange abroad through the Erasmus+ program
• Interdisciplinary development through inter-faculty elective course options
• Rapid employment opportunities after graduation

Highlighted Courses from the Curriculum

The undergraduate program in Economics brings together a strong theoretical foundation and applied analytical skills. Throughout their education, students take the following fundamental and core courses:

• Microeconomics I–II and Macroeconomics I–II
• Introduction to Economics, History of Economic Thought
• Statistics and Econometrics
• Money, Banking and Finance / Monetary Theory and Policy
• International Economics and Foreign Trade
• Development and Growth Economics
• Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
• The Turkish Economy and Current Economic Issues

Digital and Analytical Skills Acquired

Today, what is expected of an economist is not merely knowing theory, but being able to work with data and interpret the results. The department aims to equip its students with data literacy and digital analysis tools. Throughout their education, students can develop competence in the following areas:

• Data analysis and visualization: advanced Excel
• Econometric analysis software (e.g. EViews, Stata, SPSS)
• Statistical programming (e.g. R, Python)
• Reading, interpreting, and reporting on economic databases

Practical Training through the COOP Program

Within the scope of the COOP (Cooperative Education) program, students gain direct professional experience in their final semester by working full-time at a workplace for 14 weeks instead of taking courses. This process allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real work environment and develops qualities such as work discipline, teamwork, and responsibility.

During this process, students not only gain experience but also seize the opportunity to receive a job offer through their performance at the organization where they work. Gaziantep, a city that is highly developed in terms of industry, trade, tourism, and culture, offers students an exceptionally rich practice environment. Thanks to the strong collaborations established with institutions, organizations, and companies in the city, the department provides students with quality internship and project opportunities.

International Experience and Erasmus+

Within the scope of the Erasmus+ program, students have the opportunity to spend part of their education at partner universities in Europe. This experience strengthens foreign language skills alongside academic development, builds cultural awareness, and fosters an international perspective.

The curriculum, reinforced with English-supported courses, ensures that students are prepared for both study-abroad exchange programs and international career opportunities.

Career Opportunities after Graduation

Economics graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in the public sector, the private sector, and academia:

• In public institutions: assistant inspector, auditor, specialist, and economist positions
• In the private sector: finance, accounting, marketing, and foreign trade
• In financial institutions: analyst and specialist positions in banks, insurance companies, and investment firms
• In an academic career: faculty membership following master's and doctoral studies
• In international organizations: institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank
• In self-employment: consultancy, certified public accountancy, and expert witness services

KPSS and Other Examination Opportunities

Graduates of the Department of Economics can apply for many prestigious public positions through the KPSS Group A examinations, particularly with the P14 score type. This score type carries a high field weighting, with the calculation comprising 60% Economics, 20% General Aptitude, and 20% General Knowledge. This structure provides economics graduates with a strong advantage in which they can directly put their field knowledge to use.

Through these examinations, graduates can take up specialist and auditor positions in institutions such as the Presidency, the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye, TÜİK, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the BDDK, the SPK, as well as the Ministry of Trade and Development Agencies.

Academic Staff

The academic staff of the Department of Economics consists of professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and research assistants who are experts in their fields. In addition to providing students with a strong theoretical foundation during the education process, our academics also offer guidance through their sectoral experience. Through their research projects, publications, and consultancy work, they offer students an exemplary learning environment for both academic and professional development.

• Prof. Dr. M. Hanifi Aslan
• Prof. Dr. Filiz Gölpek
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eda Dineri
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Köse
• Asst. Prof. Bilal Çayır
• Res. Asst. M. Talha Şen
• Res. Asst. Hilal Armağan Rufaioğlu

Student Clubs and Campus Life

University education does not consist of courses alone. Student clubs make a significant contribution to personal development by combining academic knowledge with socialization, leadership, and project experience. Economics students can take part in economics- and career-focused clubs and participate in seminars, conferences, trips, and industry meetings.

- Economics and Society Club

Frequently Asked Questions

Is economics a quantitative or a verbal field? It is a field in which both are used in a balanced way. Alongside quantitative courses such as mathematics and statistics, verbal skills requiring interpretation, analysis, and reading are also important.

Is an internship compulsory? Yes. Thanks to the COOP program and internship opportunities, students gain real work experience before they graduate.

What is the difference between Economics and Business Administration? While Business Administration focuses on the management and operation of an organization, Economics analyzes the economy as a whole, markets, and policies within a broader framework.

Do graduates only enter the public sector? No. In addition to public positions, careers are possible in a very wide range of areas such as banking, finance, foreign trade, consultancy, and academia.