Economics Major and Minor
Economics offers a powerful approach to addressing the critical issues facing humanity. For example, economists study how to eliminate poverty, address inequality, improve health, improve our natural environment, and avoid financial crises.
Our mission is to educate students in how to draw upon the art and science of economics to address these and other critical issues, and thereby prepare them for responsible lives of learning, service, and leadership, and whole person development. Through close classroom interaction with faculty and classmates, our students will achieve intellectual maturity and develop the skills necessary to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, both inside and outside the academy.
We are especially concerned with the ways that the field of economics impacts the social and natural world, and therefore stress not only the esoteric but also the pragmatic aspects of economics. Because we view economics as solidly within the liberal arts, we are committed to examining the relationship between economics and other areas of knowledge.
Students will therefore find it to be an excellent complement to many other majors, including, but not limited to public policy, sociology, history, environmental studies, actuarial science, mathematics, biology, public health studies, and business administration.
Economics Major
Admission Procedure
Admission to the BA program in Economics requires the approval of the department chairperson. An application should be submitted as soon as a student becomes interested in the major and shows evidence of possessing the quantitative and analytical skills required to satisfactorily complete this major.
Course Requirements
Students majoring in Economics are required to complete a minimum of 11 courses in Economics, including 121, 122, 321, 322, 347, 348, 461, and four (4) economics electives at the 200-level or higher. Although students may take Principles of Economics 121 and 122, in either order, the recommended sequence is 121 followed by 122. Note: Mathematics 111 or 121 is a prerequisite for Economics 321 and 322; INQ 240/HNRS 240 (Statistics 101) is a prerequisite for Economics (348).
Compilation of Credit form for Economics Major
Economics Minor
The minor in Economics requires seven (7) units in economics as follows: Economics 121, 122, any three of the 300 level courses (321, 322, 347 and 348), and any other two (2) economics courses at the 200 level or higher. Mathematics 111 or 121 is a prerequisite for Economics 321 and 322, and INQ 240/HNRS 240 is a prerequisite for Economics 348.