Economics Major & Minor Requirements

Economics Major

The requirements for a major in economics are:

  1. Math 2200, or a pre-approved substitute statistics, such as Math 3200, QBA 120 & 121, or ESE 326.  Math 2200 is a prerequisite for Econ 413, a required course for the major. 
  2. Math 132 (Calculus II).  Math 132 is a prerequisite for Econ 4011.   
  3. Econ 493 (Mathematical Economics, a 1-credit, 5-week course), to be taken concurrently with Econ 4011.  (Majors may instead complete Math 233 – Calculus III prior to, or concurrently with, Econ 4011.)
  4. Econ 1011, Introduction to Microeconomics and Econ 1021, Introduction to Macroeconomics.  These introductory courses can be taken in any order (or concurrently), typically during a student’s freshman or sophomore year.
  5. Seven upper-level economics courses which must include:
    • Econ 4011, Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, and Econ 4021, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory.  (Econ 4011 is a prerequisite to Econ 4021.)  These two courses are the foundation of any economic study.  They introduce the student to the basic theoretical framework of economics.
    • Econ 413, Introduction to Econometrics, or  Econ 413W, Introduction to Econometrics with Writing.
    • Four 300- and 400-level elective classes.  At least two of these classes must have Econ 4011 and/or Econ 4021 as a prerequisite.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a C- or better must be received in each course in order to obtain credit toward the major.  (Exception: Courses completed with a P (pass) or CR (credit) in Spring 2020 may be used for major/minor credit.) 

 

Undergraduate Guide

The Undergraduate Guide contains much more detail about the major requirements, including: A discussion of AP credit; the policy regarding transfer credit for courses taken outside of the Economics department; suggestions for incorporating study abroad into the major requirements; and suggestions for the timing of classes to meet particular objectives, such as participation in the Latin Honors program or admission to a graduate program in Economics (or Finance). Majors are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Undergraduate Guide and to consult often with their major advisor.

Visit the Guide (PDF)

Minor Requirements

At least five economics courses, along with the mathematics courses, as described below, are required for the minor, and there are two minor “tracks”: 

  • The Minor in General Economics:  Econ 1011, 1021, 4011, 4021 and one additional elective having at least Econ 1011 and/or 1021 as a prerequisite. 

  • The Minor in Applied Microeconomics:  Econ 1011, 1021, 4011, one elective having Econ 4011 as a prerequisite, and one elective having at least Econ 1011 and/or 1021 as a prerequisite.

In addition to the courses listed above, both tracks of the minor require the completion of:  

  1. Math 132 (Calculus II).  Math 132 is a prerequisite for Econ 4011.   

  2. Econ 493 (Mathematical Economics, a 1-credit, 5-week course), to be taken concurrently with Econ 4011.  (Minors may instead complete Math 233 – Calculus III prior to, or concurrently with, Econ 4011.)

All courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a C- or better must be received in each course in order to obtain credit toward the minor.   (Exception: Courses completed with a P (pass) or CR (credit) in Spring 2020 may be used for major/minor credit.) 

Looking for the major in economics and computer science?

The AB in economics and computer science has a separate list of requirements. 

economics and computer science