Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Old Dominion University Department of Economics Newsletter, part of the Strome College of Business! We are excited to launch this new platform to keep you informed and engaged with the latest updates, insights, and opportunities within our program. Each semester, we’ll bring you highlights from faculty research, student achievements, upcoming events and essential program news. Whether you're a current student, an alumnus, or a potential student, we hope this newsletter serves as a valuable resource. Thank you for joining us!

Dr. Vinod Agarwal
Professor of Economics
Deputy Director, Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy

Dr. Jay Walker from the Economics Department sits down with Professor Agarwal, asking him about his experiences at ODU and with students over the years. 

Check out the video links below for a two-part conversation with Dr. Agarwal.

We are excited to announce that Old Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Arts (MA) in Economics programs have recently achieved STEM-Optional Practical Training (OPT) classification from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). This new designation, already in effect, marks a significant benefit for all economics students, particularly international students holding F-1 visas. They will now be eligible for up to three years of OPT, a substantial increase from the previous one-year limit for non-STEM programs. This extension provides invaluable opportunities for international graduates to gain work experience in the United States, potentially aiding in securing residency or enhancing their professional credentials before returning to their home countries.

Economics Department Chair Dr. Robert M. McNab hailed this development as a testament to the program's quality. With the added benefit of longer OPT duration, the undergraduate program aims to attract more international students and mirror the success seen in the master's program, where recent graduates have secured high-quality positions with competitive salaries. This achievement not only bolsters the program’s appeal but also reinforces ODU’s commitment to providing rigorous, data-driven education. This has coincided with an increased focus on using the open-source software R across the curriculum, with a focus on critical thinking and applied data analysis.

On August 29, 2024, a welcome event was held in Constant Hall for the MA in Economics program's nine new incoming students, as well as returning students. Students connected and reconnected after the summer, enjoying food, conversation, and even some free T-shirts. We also had special appearances from Interim Dean Dr. Erika Marsillac and Associate Dean Dr. Martin Goossen, who took time to join in the festivities. 

Ria Kolarao

Financial Analyst at Meraki Investments in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aliou Ba

First-year student in the PhD Program in Economics at the University of Houston

Stephanie Webb

Associate Analyst at GlobalLogic

Of course, you may already know what it means to be an economics major. However, the department recently participated in a video shoot to help market spark interest in our program. Watch here, or even better, share it on social media!

And speaking of social media, please follow our LinkedIn page for updates and insights and to connect with fellow graduates from the master's and bachelor's economics programs at ODU. 

Stay connected with our department by sharing your contact details and feedback. Whether you're an alumni, prospective student, or a friend of the program, we'd love to keep you informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

Click the link below to check in and stay engaged with our community.

https://odu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dm2PdGuVpgmfaLQ

Your support can help fund scholarships, research and professional development opportunities. You can give directly to the department at this link.

Department of Economics
Old Dominion University 
2004 Constant Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529
gradecon@odu.edu