Economics, B.A.

Program Learning Goals in Economics

Students will acquire:

1. Knowledge of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and market failure, and the ability to apply them to domestic and global economic issues. 

2. The skills necessary to identify and analyze the economic dimensions of individual, firm, and social problems.

3. The ability to use an economic way of thinking to identify solutions to problems that are unfamiliar.

4. The ability to recognize the limitations of proposed solutions to individual, firm, and social problems and situations.

Admission Requirement

Students who choose to major in economics through the College of Arts and Sciences may apply to the department after completing EC 201-202. Acceptance as a major requires a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average and a 2.0 grade-point average in previous course work in economics.

Major Requirements

Students pursuing the B.A. in Economics complete a minimum of 37 credits, including major, elective and support courses.

Major Courses

Subtotal: 19

Elective Courses

The five elective courses (15 total credits) must be upper-division EC hours. Students may choose from the following courses:

Subtotal: 15

Required Support Courses:

During senior year, all economics majors must take an economics comprehensive examination. Consult the department for details.

Economics works well as a double major with other disciplines in Arts and Sciences.  In the past, students have chosen to double major with Sports Studies, Political Science. History and Philosophy.  Economics majors who are interested in a double major should speak to their advisor or to the chair of the Economics department.

Professional Experience:  Relevant professional work, an internship, or volunteer experience is required prior to graduation. 

It is strongly recommended that B.A. students minor in business or take additional courses in the Boler College, especially finance or the year-long sequence in accounting. Students planning graduate work in economics should take the MT 135/136 sequence (instead of MT 130), EC 310 Empirical Methods I, Empirical Methods II, and a course in linear algebra.