Economics (B.A.)
The B.A. in Economics combines rigorous training in economic theory with application to contemporary issues such as globalization, financial market volatility, and the environment. The Economics program is a tight-knit community, and majors and minors can expect to work closely with faculty and with each other. The economic honors society, Omicron Delta Epsilon, organizes field trips to conferences and brings in visiting speakers and alumni. Recent graduates have gone on to careers in business and government, to law school, and to graduate programs in economics and politics, as well as M.B.A. programs.
All majors will complete a four-course economic theory sequence that includes ISECON-104 Introduction to Macroeconomics and ECON-103 Introduction to Microeconomics (in either order), along with ECON-204 Intermediate Macroeconomics and IIECON-310 Game Theory (in either order). It is strongly recommended that students take ECON-204 Intermediate Macroeconomics and IIECON-310 Game Theory soon after the ISECON-104 Introduction to Macroeconomics and ECON-103 Introduction to Microeconomics prerequisites to get the most benefit from this theoretical background in their elective courses. Both ECON-204 Intermediate Macroeconomics and IIECON-310 Game Theory should be completed by the end of the junior year, so that the student is prepared for electives.
In addition, majors complete three additional economics electives offer at the 300-level. Further, Econometrics (ECON-420 Econometrics) is required, and students are advised to take during their final year of study. Employers value this skill, and graduate programs in economics will expect it. Finally, each major must complete one course in introductory statistics (MATH-141 Introductory Statistics, PSYC-251 Psychological Statistics, or MGT-140 Quantitative Decision-Making) as well as either Precalculus (MATH-112 Precalculus) or Calculus (MATH-211 Calculus I).
If you plan to continue into any graduate program, it is strongly suggested that you meet with a faculty member by your junior year to ensure that you are adequately prepared. Statistics is the only math preparation required if you intend to pursue an M.B.A., law school, or a graduate program in a field other than economics. However, a graduate program in economics will require calculus and linear algebra as well.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (40 credits) | ||
| Core Courses: | ||
| MATH-141 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
| or PSYC-251 | Psychological Statistics | |
| ECON-103 | Introduction to Microeconomics | 4 |
| MATH-112 | Precalculus | 4 |
| or MATH-211 | Calculus I | |
| ISECON-104 | Introduction to Macroeconomics | 4 |
| ECON-204 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 4 |
| IIECON-310 | Game Theory | 4 |
| ECON-420 | Econometrics | 4 |
| Economics Electives: | ||
| 300-level Economics courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Certification as a Social Studies Teacher
Economics is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies certification. Students will need to take the following additional certification requirements:
Dual Major in Education
- Secondary Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for Certification | ||
| IHHIST-111 | The Ancient and Medieval World | 4 |
| IHHIST-112 | The Modern World | 4 |
| IHHIST-161 | American Encounters to 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-162 | American Encounters From 1877 | 4 |
| ISENST-203 | Globalization Culture & Place | 4 |
| ISPSYC-101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
100- to 200-level Sociology course | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| ISPOSC-210 | United States Politics | 4 |
| or ISPOSC-220 | International Relations | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the Economics major students will demonstrate:
- awareness of the assumptions and policy implications of different economic paradigms.
- proficiency in the application of graphical tools and models of microeconomic analysis, including knowledge of trade-offs, incentives, and resource allocation mechanisms in a market economy.
- proficiency in the application of graphical tools and models of macroeconomic analysis mindful of the interconnections between national economies and the global economy.
- the ability to interpret, manipulate and analyze economic data, and will demonstrate the ability to conduct economic research.