1. Introduction to the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics was established on 10 November 1982, based on the Department of Fisheries Economics, with the aim of training staff in the field of fisheries economics. Upon its establishment, the Department comprised just three departments, offering a single specialisation: Fisheries Economics. By 1996, the Department had introduced two additional specialisations: Corporate Accounting and Business Administration. In 2002, the specialisation in Commercial Economics was launched, followed by Corporate Finance in 2004, whilst the Department also commenced the Master’s programme in Fisheries Economics. In 2008, the Master’s programme was expanded to include a specialisation in Business Administration. From February 2026, in line with the development strategy of Nha Trang University, the Department of Economics became part of the School of Economics and Business at Nha Trang University.
The Department has a total of 18 staff members (including 2 part-time lecturers), comprising: 2 Associate Professors with PhDs, 7 PhD holders and 9 Master’s degree holders. Over 1,000 students, trainees and PhD candidates are currently enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with the following undergraduate specialisations: Economics (including two specialisations: Fisheries Economics and Economic Management), Development Economics; 2 Master’s specialisations: Development Economics and Economic Management; and 1 PhD specialisation: Marine Resource Economics and Management.
The Department’s scientific research activities have seen significant progress in recent years. Numerous key research projects at the national, ministerial, provincial and institutional levels have been and are currently being carried out, making a practical contribution to the effective management of the economy and enhancing the quality of teaching and scientific research among the faculty and students.
2. Functions and Responsibilities
2.1. Educational Activities
a) Develop and enhance the training programmes for the disciplines and specialisations assigned to the Department, in line with the University’s strategic development direction
b) Organise the compilation of course outlines and detailed syllabuses to ensure consistency across all modules within the training programme
c) Develop proposals and compile teaching materials and textbooks in line with the University’s development strategy
d) Organise and implement educational activities: teaching, assessment, examinations, and evaluation of students’ academic performance
e) Organise research and improvements to teaching and learning methods
f) Manage the teaching quality of lecturers within the Department
g) Participate in student recruitment and promotion activities
2.2. Scientific and technological activities
a) Plan and organise the implementation of scientific and technological research activities and technology transfer; collaborate with scientific and technological organisations and businesses to facilitate opportunities for students of the Department to undertake practical training, internships, scientific research and technology transfer
b) Carry out scientific and technological activities and technology transfer for specific tasks aligned with the Department’s capabilities, in compliance with legal regulations (as authorised by the Vice-Chancellor)
2.3. Community service activities: Organise and implement community service activities consistent with the Department’s assigned areas of expertise
2.4. Management of the department, academic staff and support staff
a) Develop plans and organise the implementation of political, ideological, ethical and lifestyle education for academic staff, support staff and students
b) Develop staff development plans; training and professional development plans to enhance the professional and technical competence of the department’s academic staff and support staff, in accordance with the University’s overall plan
c) Assigning tasks, monitoring task implementation, and assessing and grading the performance of academic staff and support staff within the department
d) Managing academic departments, academic staff, support staff and students of the department in accordance with the delegation of authority from the Vice-Chancellor
2.5. Other duties
a) Manage and utilise effectively the assets and equipment entrusted to the department; propose investment needs and upgrades to teaching and research equipment
b) Organise the implementation of the Regulations on Democracy at the grassroots level and maintain labour discipline within the department
c) Organise the implementation of quality assurance and international cooperation activities for the department
d) Monitor, supervise and oversee teaching, scientific research and community service activities, and coordinate efforts to enhance the quality of training within the department’s subject areas in accordance with the University’s overall strategy
e) Comply with reporting requirements and fulfil accountability obligations regarding assigned tasks in accordance with regulations
f) Carry out other tasks assigned by the President