The Department of Economics in Werabe University was opened in 2016/17 G.C with the aim of contributing the trained human resource of Ethiopia in regional and national level as well as contributing research outcomes and delivering community services. The department is under the College of Business and Economics (CoBE) and is situated in WRU main campus discerningly built in the scenic outskirts of Werabe town. Even though it is so young, the department has shown remarkable progress year after year. It has started its training with a few numbers of undergraduate students in the regular program. Currently, however, the department offers undergraduate and postgraduate training in the field of economics in regular program and CEP (weekend, evening and summer programs) modalities and its training services in distance program will be launched very soon. The undergraduate service provides training for BA Degree in Economics with a meticulously designed curriculum program which incorporates courses aimed at augmenting the general competence of trainees besides excellence in economics theory and applied economics. Our candidates in BA in economics program are expected – up on successful graduation – to be creative, ethical, competent and patriotic professionals in the field of economics that are not only excellent theoreticians but also skillful researchers. Similarly, the postgraduate service provides training for MSc Degree in Economics with a need-based curriculum which is meticulously designed to have two streams of specialization depending on the choice of trainees – namely, MSc Degree in Economics with major in Development Economics and MSc Degree in Economics with major in Natural resource and Environmental Economics. The course composition in both streams is carefully outlined to include common courses, core specialization area courses and elective courses that are aimed at producing senior professionals that are capable of teaching economics at higher education institutions, designing and consulting economic (development) policies, consulting public decision making, and doing research on the development and environmental problems of Ethiopia.

Besides teaching, the department has also been actively involving in various research and community service activities. These services encompass the development of original research proposals and conducting problem solving research, developing and implementing community service project proposals as well as providing high profile staff – up on requests from inside and outside of WRU– that can help and/or consult in delivering short-term trainings, conducting research, policy designing and public decision making.  

Vision of the Department

The Department of Economics aspires to be one of the top 30 academic centers of excellence and economic research at higher education institutions of Ethiopia by 2022.

Mission of the Department

The Department of Economics in Werabe University has the mission of delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching services in the field of economics, producing helpful research outcomes as well as active engagement in community services.

Goal

The goal of the Department of Economics is to reduce the national and regional lack of trained man power in the field of economics, reduce the lack of problem-oriented research services and enhance the living standard of the public.

Values

F Decentralized leadership

F Unity in diversity

F Excellence in superior performance

F Academic freedom and professionalism

F Student oriented approach

F Develop cooperation with partners

F Academic competitiveness and cooperative relationship

F Independence of institution with responsibility

F To follow a fair procedure

F Perform tasks efficiently

F Integrity and social responsibility

F Acknowledging the meritorious work/person

Focus areas of the Department of Economics

@ Ensuring participation and access to education

@ Increasing educational equity

@ Improving the relevance and quality of education

@ Research; Technology transfer and community service

@ Institutional cooperation; Improving leadership and good governance