History 

The Program of Economics was first launched in 2000 to address the country’s trained human power shortage in the field of economics. Before 2000, it was known by the name of Business Program, offer business courses in the field of Secretarial Science and Office Management (SSOM) and had been offering Banking and Finance at the diploma level. It then incorporated economics as a new field of study at the B.A. level to enhance its contributions at regional and national levels. In 2000, the two fields of study parted company, and the Department of Program stood by itself. Since then, the Program has continued to offer economics courses for students who join the Department both in regular and extension programs.  The Program of Economics is now among the six programs under the College of Business and Economics at Bahir Dar University.

By commencing undergraduate programs such as a regular program in 2002, an extension program in 2003, a summer program in 2004, and a distance program in 2005, the program has been providing training to thousands of students from all over the country. Besides, it opened two postgraduate programs M.Sc. in Economics (specializing in Economic Policy Analysis) in 2009 and M.Sc. in Applied Development Economics (in collaboration with the ANRS) in 2010. Currently the department owns one Undergraduate degree program in regular, extension, summer and distance modalities, two MSc programs in both extension and regular basis and one PhD program in the regular base. Besides teaching, the program has been involved in conducting research and provision of short-term training and community services in the area of economics.

Why study economics?

Studying Economics at Bahir Dar University equips students with a profound understanding of how societies navigate choices amid scarcity. The curriculum focuses on the decisions made by individuals, businesses, and governments, providing insights into the effective utilization and distribution of limited resources. By analyzing everyday consumer choices and complex global policies, students gain a powerful perspective on economic dynamics, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding the world around them.

The program emphasizes the development of conceptual models and rigorous statistical analysis, enabling students to predict responses to changes in policy and market conditions. This dual approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also prepares students for real-world applications in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and finance. By mastering these tools, graduates are well-positioned to contribute to stable economic growth and informed policy-making, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

                              

 

 

Name: Gebretsadik Getaneh

Head, Department of Economics

Mobile: +251945283438

Email:gebretsadikgetaneh@gmail.com