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Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Economics Program

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Economics Program

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Economics program is holistically designed to produce graduates who can analyze and address the complex, interconnected challenges of sustainable development. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the application of economic principles to real-world problems, provides a robust framework for understanding and advancing the SDGs. The program makes extensive contributions across the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It directly tackles issues of economic prosperity and equity through a strong focus on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through specialized courses, it addresses critical social and environmental issues, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The program's core is a commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education), and its emphasis on international and public economics fosters the institutional strength and partnerships essential for SDG 16 and SDG 17.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1 Icon SDG 1: No Poverty

Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses the multidimensional nature of poverty by equipping students with the tools to analyze its causes and to design effective economic policies for its eradication. Courses explore economic development, public finance, and labor markets, all of which are critical to creating sustainable livelihoods and social safety nets.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113221Economics of DevelopmentProvides a comprehensive analysis of the theories and policies aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries (Target 1.A).
EC113111Public EconomicsContributes to poverty reduction by examining government policies on taxation and social expenditure, which are key instruments for resource mobilization and creating social protection systems (Target 1.3).
EC113421Labor EconomicsAddresses poverty by analyzing the determinants of wages, employment, and labor market dynamics, providing insights into policies that can improve income-earning opportunities (Target 1.2).

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health by providing an economic perspective on healthcare systems. Students learn to analyze the efficiency, equity, and financing of health services, which is essential for achieving universal health coverage and promoting well-being.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113521Health EconomicsDirectly supports the achievement of universal health coverage by applying economic principles to analyze healthcare markets, health insurance, and the allocation of health resources (Target 3.8).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a Bachelor of Economics program, the curriculum itself is a delivery mechanism for high-quality education. It is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and quantitative literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and skills for sustainable development and lifelong learning.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC114701Project in EconomicsEnhances education for sustainable development by enabling students to conduct independent research, applying economic theory to analyze real-world issues (Target 4.7).
EC112311Econometrics IProvides students with the advanced quantitative and technical skills that are highly relevant for employment and entrepreneurship in a data-driven world (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The program addresses gender equality through the lens of economic analysis. Courses in labor and development economics provide the tools to understand and address issues such as the gender pay gap, discrimination in the workplace, and the economic empowerment of women.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113421Labor EconomicsProvides a framework for analyzing gender-based discrimination in labor markets and the economic factors contributing to the gender pay gap, supporting policies for equal pay for work of equal value (Target 5.1).
EC113221Economics of DevelopmentExamines the role of gender in economic development, including women's access to economic resources and their role in sustainable development, aligning with the goal of economic empowerment (Target 5.A).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: This program's core curriculum is fundamentally aligned with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. It provides a deep understanding of macroeconomic policy, monetary systems, labor markets, and the drivers of development, all of which are essential for creating decent work for all.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC111122Principles of MacroeconomicsForms the foundation for understanding how to achieve and sustain per capita economic growth through appropriate fiscal and monetary policies (Target 8.1).
EC112211Macroeconomic Theory IProvides advanced analysis of policies aimed at achieving higher levels of economic productivity, full and productive employment, and decent work (Target 8.2 & 8.5).
EC113421Labor EconomicsDirectly addresses decent work by analyzing the functioning of labor markets, wage determination, and policies related to employment and working conditions (Target 8.5).
EC113211Monetary EconomicsContributes to economic growth by studying the role of monetary policy and financial institutions in maintaining economic stability and fostering investment.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: The program supports the development of sustainable industry and innovation by providing the economic tools to analyze industrial structure, market competition, and the economics of technological change. This knowledge is crucial for creating policies that foster innovation and sustainable industrialization.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113611Industrial EconomicsDirectly supports sustainable industrialization by analyzing firm behavior, market structures, and government regulation, providing insights into creating more competitive and sustainable industries (Target 9.2).

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is central to understanding and addressing the economic roots of inequality. Through the study of public economics, development economics, and labor economics, students learn to analyze income distribution and design fiscal, social, and labor market policies that promote greater equality of opportunity and outcome.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113111Public EconomicsDirectly addresses inequality by examining the role of progressive taxation and social spending in redistributing income and promoting fiscal and social policies for greater equality (Target 10.4).
EC113221Economics of DevelopmentFocuses on policies to empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status (Target 10.2).
EC113421Labor EconomicsContributes to reducing wage inequality by analyzing factors such as minimum wage policies, collective bargaining, and anti-discrimination laws (Target 10.1).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the development of sustainable cities by providing the economic framework for analyzing urban and regional issues. Students learn about the economic forces that shape cities and the policies that can be used to manage urbanization sustainably.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113511Urban and Regional EconomicsSupports inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management (Target 11.3).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program directly addresses responsible production and consumption by focusing on the economics of natural resources and the environment. It provides the analytical tools to understand market failures related to pollution and resource depletion and to design policies that promote the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113411Economics of Natural Resources and EnvironmentDirectly focuses on achieving the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, a core component of responsible production (Target 12.2).
EC113063Introduction to Behavioral EconomicsContributes to responsible consumption by analyzing the psychological factors that influence consumer choices, providing insights into how to encourage more sustainable consumption patterns (Target 12.8).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The curriculum provides the essential economic framework for taking action on climate change. The course on environmental economics is dedicated to analyzing the economic costs of climate change and evaluating policies such as carbon pricing and emissions trading designed to mitigate its impacts.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113411Economics of Natural Resources and EnvironmentImproves education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction by teaching the economic principles behind environmental policy and climate action (Target 13.3).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions by providing an understanding of public economics and the economic role of law. Students learn how government institutions function, how policies are made, and how legal frameworks can promote economic efficiency and justice.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113111Public EconomicsContributes to developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels by analyzing the economic roles of government, public finance, and policy-making (Target 16.6).
EC113621Law and EconomicsPromotes the rule of law and ensures equal access to justice by analyzing the economic effects of legal rules and institutions (Target 16.3).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The curriculum fosters a global perspective necessary for building partnerships for sustainable development. Through the study of international economics, students learn about global trade, finance, and policy coordination, which are essential for strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EC113311International EconomicsEnhances policy coherence for sustainable development by analyzing the global economic system, including international trade and finance, which is crucial for building partnerships (Target 17.14).
EC114802Cooperative Education in EconomicsDirectly encourages and promotes effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships by immersing students in real-world organizations (Target 17.17).