Bachelor in Economics

Bachelor in Economics (BECON) at Kathmandu University School of Arts

Bachelor in Economics (BECON) is a four-year undergraduate program offered through the Department of Economics at Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA), Hattiban, Lalitpur. The program combines economic theory with mathematics, statistics, language, sociology, quantitative analysis, and applied economic study.

Students complete compulsory foundation courses during the first three years and can move into specialized economics subjects in the fourth year. KUSOA is a constituent academic unit of Kathmandu University (KU), and the program operates under KU academic rules and regulations.

Quick Highlights

KUSOA's academic directory places Bachelor in Economics and Masters in Economics under the Department of Economics. The undergraduate intake for BECON is identified as 30 seats.

About Bachelor in Economics

Economics studies how goods and services are produced, distributed, consumed, and managed, as well as how decisions by individuals, businesses, institutions, and governments affect markets and society.

BECON develops this subject through economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied analysis. The program addresses areas connected with business, markets, trade, government policy, international economic issues, development, health, and environmental questions.

Students are introduced to microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics, computers, sociology, and related analytical areas. The course also emphasizes economic modeling, quantitative analysis, logical reasoning, communication, and the application of economics to policy and practical problems.

This makes the degree broader than the study of markets alone. Students work with mathematical and statistical tools while also considering the social and institutional contexts in which economic decisions are made.

Program Goals

The BECON curriculum is structured to develop a foundation in economic theory and history together with analytical and communication abilities.

Its academic goals include developing:

• Understanding of economic theory and economic history

• Critical and creative thinking

• Analytical and problem-solving ability

• Communication and presentation skills

• Economic modeling skills

• Quantitative analysis

• Logical reasoning

• Application of economics to policy and practical issues

• Ability to analyze business-related economic problems

The program also emphasizes teamwork and both oral and written communication as part of undergraduate economics education.

Course Structure

Duration: Four years

Academic System: Semester system

The course structure is organized around a broad compulsory foundation followed by greater specialization in the later stage.

During the first three years, students take compulsory courses in:

These compulsory areas prepare students for more specialized work in the fourth year.

The structure gives students time to develop the mathematical, analytical, economic, and social-science background required before selecting more focused economics subjects.

Fourth-Year Specialization

In the fourth year, students can choose specialized courses according to their academic and professional interests.

Specialized areas identified within the program include:

• Energy Economics

• Health Economics

• Environmental Economics

• Labor Economics

• Mathematical Economics

These subjects extend the general economics foundation into particular applications.

Energy Economics connects economic analysis with energy-related questions. Health Economics applies economic approaches to health-related systems and decisions. Environmental Economics focuses on economic questions involving environmental resources and impacts, while Labor Economics addresses economic issues connected with work and labor. Mathematical Economics gives additional emphasis to formal quantitative analysis.

The specialization stage allows students to build greater depth after completing the broader compulsory curriculum of the earlier years.

Quantitative and Analytical Learning

Quantitative study is a central part of BECON.

The program develops students' ability to work with economic concepts, analytical tools, quantitative data, and basic empirical techniques. Students also learn to collect and analyze data using statistical software.

This quantitative component is supported by the compulsory study of mathematics and statistics during the first three years.

The intended learning outcomes include the ability to:

• Apply economic concepts and analytical techniques to different economic issues

• Use analytical reasoning for problem solving

• Work with quantitative data

• Apply basic empirical estimation techniques

• Analyze economic conditions

• Study market trends

• Examine pricing decisions

• Use statistical software for data analysis

These abilities are developed through the full academic program rather than through one individual course.

Teaching and Learning Methodology

BECON uses a learner-centered teaching approach in which students are expected to participate actively in academic work.

Learning methods include:

• Lecture-based learning

• Group-based learning

• Case-based learning

• Action-based learning

• Project-based learning

• Seminar-based learning

Classroom activities can include individual and group work, discussions, problem-solving exercises, assignments, practical classes, consultation hours, case analysis, presentations, and guest lectures.

This approach gives students opportunities to work with economic problems through discussion and application as well as through conventional lectures.

Regular feedback is also part of the learning process, supporting students as they develop analytical and academic skills.

Internship and Practical Exposure

Internship forms part of the learning opportunities associated with the BECON program.

The internship component is intended to give students exposure beyond regular classroom study and an opportunity to connect academic learning with professional settings.

KUSOA's wider undergraduate framework also includes internship provisions, research projects, field visits, interdisciplinary study, student exchange, and credit-transfer facilities.

For economics students, practical exposure complements coursework in economic theory, mathematics, statistics, policy issues, quantitative analysis, and applied economic subjects.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognized institution.

The minimum academic requirement is:

• 45% aggregate marks, or

• CGPA 2.0

The current KUSOA undergraduate admission framework applies this requirement to Bachelor in Economics. Applicants awaiting final qualifying results may also apply provisionally under the conditions established for undergraduate admission.

The acceptance of applicants from any discipline means previous study is not restricted to a particular 10+2 stream.

Admission and Academic Administration

Admission to BECON is administered through Kathmandu University School of Arts and the Department of Economics.

Admission, entrance procedures, curriculum, examinations, results, academic progression, and degree award follow Kathmandu University rules and regulations.

The Department of Economics contact for Bachelor in Economics is:

Contact: Dr. Santosh Adhikari
Phone: 9701002621
Email: becon@kusoa.edu.np

KUSOA's Admissions Office can also be contacted through:

Admissions Email: soa_admission@ku.edu.np
Admissions Phone: 9801298094

Evaluation and Examination

Student performance is evaluated through internal assessment and external end-semester examination.

The evaluation weighting is:

External examinations are conducted through the Office of the Controller of Examinations. Students are required to obtain at least 40% in the internal and external components independently to complete a course successfully.

Students must also maintain a minimum of 80% attendance.

The evaluation structure places continuing academic work and end-semester examination on equal weighting rather than making the final examination the sole basis of assessment.

Skills Developed Through BECON

The curriculum supports development of skills connected with economic analysis and the program's quantitative and applied coursework.

Students may develop abilities in economic reasoning, data analysis, problem solving, quantitative analysis, economic modeling, statistical software, communication, teamwork, presentation, and evaluation of economic issues.

The program also aims to help students understand social and ethical dimensions within their areas of study and apply economic analysis to policy and real-world questions.

These abilities depend on the student's performance across coursework, assignments, projects, specialization subjects, and practical learning.

Career Areas

BECON graduates may consider professional areas where economic analysis, quantitative reasoning, market understanding, and research are relevant.

Career sectors identified with the program include:

• Business

• Financial markets

• Commodity markets

• International trade

• Academic institutions

• Education

• Government institutions

• Banking

• Manufacturing

• Insurance

• Management

• Research

• International organizations

These are possible professional directions rather than assured employment outcomes. Career development depends on the graduate's academic performance, quantitative abilities, communication skills, experience, specialization, and available opportunities.

Further Study

Students who want to continue economics at graduate level can consider Masters in Economics (MECON), which is also offered within the Department of Economics at KUSOA.

The bachelor's program provides a foundation in economic theory, mathematics, statistics, quantitative methods, and specialized economics that can support progression to postgraduate economics study.

Who May Consider BECON?

BECON may suit students interested in understanding economic decisions through both theoretical and quantitative study.

The program is particularly relevant to students who are comfortable working with mathematics, statistics, analytical reasoning, data, economic theory, social questions, and applied problems.

Students should also consider the four-year commitment and the progression from compulsory Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Language, and Sociology courses into fourth-year specialized economics subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bachelor in Economics at KUSOA?

Bachelor in Economics is a four-year undergraduate program that follows the semester system.

How many seats are available for BECON?

The program has 30 seats.

What is the eligibility for Bachelor in Economics?

Applicants need a 10+2 or equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognized institution with at least 45% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 2.0.

What subjects are studied during the first three years?

The first three years contain compulsory courses in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Language, and Sociology.

What specialization subjects are available in the fourth year?

Specialized areas include Energy Economics, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Labor Economics, and Mathematical Economics.

How are BECON students evaluated?

Evaluation carries 50% internal assessment and 50% external end-semester examination. Students need at least 40% in each component independently.

What is the attendance requirement?

Students are required to maintain at least 80% attendance.

Does Bachelor in Economics include an internship?

Yes. Internship is included among the learning and practical-exposure opportunities associated with the program.

What career areas are related to BECON?

Graduates may consider areas such as business, banking, financial and commodity markets, international trade, government, education, manufacturing, insurance, research, and related economic fields.

Can BECON graduates continue to a master's degree at KUSOA?

Yes. The Department of Economics at KUSOA also offers Masters in Economics.