Departmental Honors in Economics

Honors in Economics

The Honors Program for Economics, Applied Economics, and Math-Economics Majors

The honors program is designed to encourage in-depth study and research at a level that approaches graduate school. In order to graduate with honors, students must first be members of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) [see below], the International Honor Society in Economics.  The criteria for ODE membership is below. In addition to being a member of ODE, students that write an exceptional Senior Thesis, which is a required departmental capstone experience, are offered the opportunity to defend the thesis in front of a panel of Economics faculty. Upon a successful thesis defense, the student will graduate with honors. 

To qualify for Omicron Delta Epsilon membership the following criteria must be met: 

  • major in economics, applied economics, or math-economics
  • have an overall GPA of at least 3.0
  • have a GPA of at least 3.3 in economics courses 

For more information about graduating with honors, please contact Dr. Shaianne Osterreich, Economics Department Chair. 

International Economics Honor Society - Omicron Delta Epsilon

Omicron Delta Epsilon was founded by Professor John R. Commons in 1915 at the University of Wisconsin. The intent was to encourage a closer relationship between exceptional students and faculty. The Department of Economics at Ithaca College sponsors the Alpha Upsilon chapter.

Currently, Omicron Delta Epsilon has 535 chapters in 10 nations. Potential members are selected based upon either grade point average (GPA) or the recommendation of a faculty member. Members are expected to maintain a 3.3 GPA in their economics courses and an overall GPA of 3.0. Economics majors and minors may become members. In order to graduate with honors in economics, students must qualify for Omicron Delta Epsilon.

There is a $35.00 initiation fee. In return, students receive a membership scroll and a one-year subscription to the American Economist. The initiation fee entitles the student to lifetime membership in ODE; there are no annual membership fees.

For more information, please contact the Chair or Penny Bogardus, departmental Administrative Assistant.