Majoring in Economics

Economics is all about people and the decisions they make. Why do humans do what they do? This is the burning question that economists are driven to answer.

Studying economics will help you to understand how the world works, and why it moves in the ways that it does. Economics is a doorway to endless possibilities, because it is a science of human behavior. Your academic journey will focus on unraveling complicated systems and how they are built by human desires and motivations. In the process, you will gain the tools and expertise to change your world for the better.

Economics BA or a Quantitative Economics BS

As an economics major, you have the option to pursue an Economics BA or a Quantitative Economics BS. In the Economics BA, you will receive a firm grounding in economic theory and exposure to problems and techniques that you will likely encounter in a business, nonprofit, or government agency environment. The Quantitative Economics BS has extensive training in mathematical and statistical techniques required for graduate work. The Quantitative Economics BS fully prepares you for entrance into the department’s Master of Science in Economics program as well as graduate programs at other universities.

Required Courses

Economics BA

  • ECON-E201: Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON-E202: Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ECON-E270: Introduction to Statistical Theory for Economics and Business
  • ECON-E321: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E322: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E406: Senior Seminar
  • MATH-M118: Finite Mathematics
  • MATH-M119: Brief Survey of Calculus I

Nine credits (three courses) of 300 or 400 level electives from Economics

Quantitative Economics BS (not eligible for Dual Degree Advantage)

  • ECON-E201: Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON-E202: Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ECON-E270: Introduction to Statistical Theory for Economics and Business
  • ECON-E321: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E322: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E 375: Mathematical Economics
  • ECON-E 470: Econometrics
  • MATH 16500: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
  • MATH 16600: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
  • Three credits (one course) of 300 or 400 level electives from Economics

**Important note: E321 is only offered in Fall, and E322 is only offered in Spring.

Recommended Curriculum

To provide you with guidance that will both enhance your academic experience and avoid problems meeting requirements, the Department of Economics has developed the following suggested curriculum for planning your economics courses, as a major.

Economics BA:
  • ECON-E101: Survey of Economic Issues and Problems
  • MATH-M118: Finite Mathematics
  • MATH-M119: Brief Survey of Calculus I
Quantitative BS:
  • ECON-E101: Survey of Economic Issues and Problems
  • MATH16500: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
  • MATH16600: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Economics BA:
  • ECON-E201: Intro to Microeconomics
  • ECON-E270: Introduction to Statistical Theory
  • ECON-E202: Introduction to Macroeconomics
Quantitative BS:
  • ECON-E201: Intro to Microeconomics
  • ECON-E202: Introduction to Macroeconomics
Economics BA:
  • ECON-E322: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E321: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Quantitative BS:
  • ECON-E270: Introduction to Statistical Theory
  • ECON-E322: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON-E321: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • Economics Major Elective at 300/400 level
Economics BA:
  • Economics Major Elective at 300/400 level
  • Economics Major Elective at 300/400 level
  • ECON-E406: Senior Seminar
  • Economics Major Elective at 300/400 level
  • Notify School of Intent to Graduate
Quantitative BS:
  • ECON-E470: Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECON-E 375: Mathematical Economics
  • Notify School of Intent to Graduate

 

Degree map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

More info

Contact the economics undergraduate director, Dr. Steven Russell.

How to enroll

Interested in adding an economics major? Students are encouraged to speak to an Undergraduate Advisor when considering an economics major. To declare the major, you will need to complete the School of Liberal Arts online declaration form.