Economics
Why take courses in Economics?
Economics is the study of decision making in a world of limited resources. The theories, skills and applications you learn from economics courses are applicable in a wide range of careers: from public policy to finance, consulting to non-profit work.
What kinds of questions does Economics explore?
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How are resources allocated within the interconnected global economy?
- How do individuals make decisions: on where to work, how to invest their funds, whether to go to college, etc.?
- How do markets (for goods, services, financial instruments, labor) work?
- What role do government and public policy play in addressing imperfections in the market or in maintaining economic stability?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Economics?
The economics major is a pretty vertical one, but all students start with ECON 101 (Principles of Economics), which we offer every semester. After ECON 101, students are encouraged to take a “field course” (numbered 200-249) where they will explore applications of economics in a subfield of economics.
All economics courses are quantitative (and carry QFR), but 100- and field 200-level courses are less rigorous. Most models are explained graphically or with simple algebra. Courses numbered 250 and above require more mathematical preparation.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
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ECON 099 (Principles of Accounting) – there are no prerequisites, and it does not count towards the Economics major. ECON 200-249 are field courses; the only prerequisite is ECON 101.
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Students in these courses are a mix of majors and non-majors. The field courses show how economics is applied in the real world, and so they are an excellent second Economics course after ECON 101.
Getting started in the major
Students interested in taking courses in the department can start with ECON 101 (Principles of Economics) – there are no prerequisites.
Advanced Placement Credit
We do not give credit for AP courses. Students who have taken an AP course in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics with a score of 4 or 5 may request the Chair to grant permission to bypass ECON 101, and advance to a 200-level course (A major would nevertheless need to take another Economics course to stand in for the bypassed ECON 101). Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Economics
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ECON 101 | ECON 2XX MATH 133 |
| Y2 | ECON 251 STAT 113 |
ECON 253 |
| Y3 | ECON 2XX | ECON 255 |
| Y4 | ECON 3XX | ECON 4XX |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ECON 101 | |
| Y2 | MATH 133 ECON 2XX |
STAT 113 ECON 251/253 |
| Y3 | ECON 251/253 | ECON 255 ECON 2XX |
| Y4 | ECON 4XX | ECON 3XX |
Related Areas of Study
Computer Science; East Asian Studies; Environmental Studies; Hispanic Studies; Latin American Studies; Law and Society; Mathematics; Politics; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, and Sociology.
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Economics Major Requirements
Economics Department