This experimental study continued the exploration surrounding emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence was examined through past and present literature, instrumentation, didactic teaching methods employing EI concepts, and data analysis. The experiment involved participants from two sections of an undergraduate economics class at a mid-sized private Christian university in the Southeast United States. One section of the economics class served as the control group while the second section served as the experimental group. Examining pre and posttest data, the experimental study determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups' EQ-i scores subsequent the treatment. Based on the findings, however, while the treatment did not produce a statistically significant difference between the two groups' pretest-posttest EQ-i scores, after receipt of the treatment, students' perceptions were that EI contained value at three distinct levels: personal, academic, and professional. Students acknowledged the fact that formalized education goes beyond mere academics, and saw practical applications to EI. Since organizations and leaders are demanding employees rich in EI competencies, including teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills, organizations and their leadership ranks wishing to succeed would benefit both practically and financially by hiring college graduates skilled in intellectual and emotional, social, and relational competencies. Therefore, if EI's learning curve can be accelerated prior to workforce entry by incorporating EI into existing academic curriculum, perhaps negative career effects can be reduced while meeting the workforce readiness needs required by today's employers. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]