Majors and Minors: Mathematical Economics Major - Colgate University

2018-2019 University Catalogue

Apr 05, 2025

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 intend to pursue a double major in both economics and mathematics and/or a PhD in economics are strongly encouraged to take additional mathematics courses, including MATH 377 .

For more information about the department, honors/high honors, transfer credit, etc., visit the economics department page.

Major Requirements

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

Prerequisite

One of the following is the prerequisite to ECON 375 . Students who have taken an equivalent course may petition the department chair for an exemption. However, mathematical economics majors are encouraged to consider taking MATH 316 instead.

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 374 - Mathematical Economics
ECON 375 - Applied Econometrics (must earn a grade of C or better)
MATH 163 - Calculus III
Two additional MATH courses (MATH 214 or higher) chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser
Four additional economics electives (excluding ECON 105 ). At least two of these electives must be numbered above 300.

One of the Following

At least one of the following:

GPA Requirement

Satisfactory completion of the major requires a minimum GPA of 2.00.

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.