Department of Economics

The Department of Economics which started initially as a combined department of History, Economics and Politics (HEPA) in 1931, is now one of the oldest Departments in Andhra University. Over a period of time a separate Department of Economics was carved out of HEPA.

As early as 1944, the Department of Economics visualized a great future for Mathematical Economics and was the first in the country to offer Mathematical Economics as an additional course. Students with Mathematics background were given this specialization and B.A. (Hons) with Mathematical Economics degree w as awarded to them. When Statistics Department was started in the University in 1950, Mathematical Economics course was strengthened by permitting the students who passed Mathematical Economics course was strengthened by permitting the students who passed Mathematical Economics, to study M.Sc Statistics. This provision proved to be a great success and even now a number of students are taking advantage of this facility. In 1960's the earlier system of Three year honors degree was replaced by a four year Honors course and M.A. by study and examination. In 1965 the Honors system was abolished and replaced by M.A. (2 years) by study.

In 1968 the United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) selected Andhra University for special assistance to social sciences, under the SSRC, USA. Under the scheme a number of staff members of the Department have gone to U.S. Universities for higher studies and most of them returned with Ph.D. Degrees.

In the first two decades i.e., upto 50's personal research and training of students for Honors Degree by the staff have been a prominent feature besides motivating students to take up the competitive examinations for All India Services. During the next two decades i.e. 50's and 60's the Department received financial assistance to work on research projects sponsored by Central/State Governments, Planning Commission and other organizations. As a result, empirical research got a fillip. Since 70's importance was given for coordinated research, training students for Ph.D. besides teaching post-graduate course.