Department of Economics at Illinois State University

For additional information, contact:

Dr. David Loomis, Executive Director
Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies
Department of Economics
Illinois State University
Campus Box 4200
Normal, IL 61790-4200

Phone: 309.438.7979
Fax: 309.438.5228
Email

New Certificate Program

Certificate Program in Electricity, Natural Gas and Telecommunications Economics
Department of Economics, Illinois State University

Application Deadline for Spring 2008 Extended
Refer to the Economics certificate flyer (.pdf) for more information.

 

Competitive Advantage

If you are looking to enhance your skills and knowledge in the rapidly changing fields of telecommunications, electric power, or natural gas, Illinois State University offers a unique certificate program in Electricity, Natural Gas and Telecommunications Economics.

The certificate program provides a foundation in economic reasoning applied to the telecommunication, electricity and natural gas industries. The certificate program allows students to receive recognition for proficiency in this specialized field of study and prepares students to advance their careers with

  • Natural gas, electric power, and telecommunications companies,
  • Federal, state, and municipal agencies responsible for government policy towards these industries,
  • Firms providing consulting and support services.

What You’ll Learn

The 12-credit hour certificate combines the study of basic economic theory with the history and institutions surrounding the telecommunications, electric power, and natural gas industries. Special attention is given to recent changes in government regulation of these industries. You will develop skills in analyzing the critical issues facing these industries and communicating the results of your work to appropriate audiences.

The certificate program consists of four courses:

  • ECO 240 – Microeconomic Theory
  • ECO 335 – Economics of Regulation and Antitrust
  • ECO 436 – Industry Studies in Electricity, Natural Gas and Telecommunications
  • ECO 492 – Topics in Applied Econometrics

The program will be delivered by tenured faculty members in the Department of Economics at Illinois State University on the weekends to accommodate working students’ schedules. Each course will meet Fridays 6-9 pm and Saturdays 8 am-5 pm every other weekend for 6 weeks (a total of three weekends). Classes will meet at the Illinois Commerce Commission offices in Springfield, IL and food will be provided to maximize the instruction time.

Course will be offered in the order listed above. ECO 240 will start in mid-January; ECO 335 will start in mid-March; ECO 436 will start in September and ECO 492 will start in November. ECO 240 may be waived for students with a Master’s Degree in Economics. For information on specific courses, please click on the following link: Course Page for Certificate Program in Electricity, Natural Gas and Telecommunications Economics.

Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies

The program is being offered in cooperation with the Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies. The Institute provides a key link between the University and the telecommunications, electric power, and natural gas industries. The Institute also provides employment contacts for graduates of the program

Financial Assistance

To help you finance your certificate program, tuition reimbursement may be offered through your employer (such as the State of Illinois). Please see your Human Resources officer for more details.

About the University

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public institution of higher education in Illinois. Its 850 acre campus is located in the twin-city communities of Bloomington-Normal, approximately halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. Enrollment, including undergraduate and graduate students, is approximately 20,000.