Economics Major

Major Requirements

Prospective majors should aim to complete ECON 151 , ECON 251 , ECON 252 , statistics, and calculus by the end of sophomore year, especially if they plan to study abroad during their junior year, and they should aim to complete ECON 375 by the end of junior year.

The major in economics consists of nine courses in economics and two mathematics pre-requisites 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 eight (8) economics courses.

The major requirements consist of the following:

Required Courses

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)
Students are encouraged to take ECON 251 before ECON 252
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
  , or
  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.
Four economics electives. At least two of these electives must be numbered above 300.
A senior-level seminar, at the 410 level or above, is required of all majors.
ECON 490
cannot be used to satisfy the seminar requirement except in unusual circumstances and with the permission of the department chair.

GPA Requirement

Satisfactory completion requires a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the economics courses counting towards 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.