Mathematical Economics Major

The major is designed to encourage a student with strong interests in the two areas to develop a deeper understanding of economics by viewing it, in part, as an area of applied mathematics. This major should be considered seriously by all those intending to pursue graduate studies in economics, business, or quantitative social science, and also by those desiring a more flexible commitment to the major programs in these two departments.

Students who are considering graduate school in economics are strongly encouraged to take additional mathematics courses, including

MATH 377 - Real Analysis I

Major Requirements

Prospective majors should aim to complete ECON 151 , ECON 251 , ECON 252 , statistics, and

MATH 163 - Calculus III

by the end of sophomore year, especially if they plan to study abroad during their junior year.

At least one of the ten economics courses must be a senior-level seminar (at the 410 level or above). ECON 490 cannot be used to satisfy the seminar requirement except in unusual circumstances and with the permission of the department chair.

The major consists of three mathematics courses and ten economics courses unless pre-matriculation credit (e.g., AP or transfer student credit) for ECON 151 has been received. Students who have received pre-matriculation credit for ECON 151 must complete a minimum of nine (9) economics courses.

The major requirements consist of the following:

All of the Following

ECON 151 - Introduction to Economics (prerequisite to all advanced ECON courses at the 200-400 level)
ECON 251 - Intermediate Microeconomics (must earn a grade of C or better)
ECON 252 - Intermediate Macroeconomics (must earn a grade of C or better)
ECON 375 - Applied Econometrics (must earn a grade of C or better)
ECON 375 has two mathematics prerequisites, each of which can be satisfied in multiple ways:
- MATH 161 - Calculus I
  ,
  MATH 162 - Calculus II
  , or
  MATH 163 - Calculus III
  ; or the equivalent AP credit; or the equivalent international exam transfer credit, as determined by the mathematics department. Students who have taken an equivalent course may petition the department chair for an exemption.
- CORE 143S - Introduction to Statistics
  or
  MATH 105 - Introduction to Statistics
  . Students who have taken an equivalent course may petition the department chair for an exemption.
A senior-level seminar (at the 410 level or above).
ECON 490
cannot be used to satisfy the seminar requirement except in unusual circumstances and with the permission of the department chair. An elective numbered above 300 can be used to satisfy this requirement if a seminar is taken to partially satisfy the requirement to take mathematically oriented economics courses.
MATH 163 - Calculus III
Two additional MATH courses (MATH 214 or higher) chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser
Two additional economics electives (excluding ECON 105 ), beyond the courses listed below. At least one of these electives must be numbered above 300.

Three of the Following

At least three of the following mathematically-oriented economics courses, in addition to those listed above:

ECON 345 - Games and Strategies
ECON 355 - Advanced Macroeconomics
ECON 357 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory
ECON 374 - Mathematical Economics
ECON 474 - Seminar in Mathematical Economics
ECON 475 - Seminar in Econometrics
A list of other courses that can be used for this requirement is available from the economics department

GPA Requirement

Satisfactory completion of the major requires a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the 13 courses in the major..

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the Economics department page.

Major Declaration

In order to declare the major, students must have first earned a grade of C or better in either ECON 251 or ECON 252 . Students who declare a major while enrolled in one of these courses may file “provisional” major declarations. Students with a grade lower than C in ECON 251 , ECON 252 , or ECON 375 may not declare a major until a grade of C or higher is earned.

Economics Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the Economics department catalogue page.