Economics (BS, BA, minor)

Program Overview

The Economics Department offers a BA, three BS degrees and a minor. The BA provides undergraduates with comprehensive exposure to the principles and tools of economics. BS degrees provide coursework in economic analysis, financial economics and economic policy analysis for undergraduates planning advanced study or careers in economics, financial analysis or government.

Degrees Offered

• BS in Economics: Economic Analysis
• BS in Economics: Economic Policy Analysis
• BS in Economics: Financial Economics
• BA in Economics

Minors

• Economics

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Students interested in interning are encouraged to consult with the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. The J.C. Liu Honors Thesis Program is a two-semester program beginning senior year during which students work one-on-one with a faculty member they select on a topic of interest to them.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• ECON 160 - Principles of Microeconomics

  This is a standard introductory course in microeconomics. It focuses on the way the market system works, emphasizing economic interactions among individuals, business firms, and government. Topics include supply and demand, economic decision making of consumers and firms, social efficiency, competitive, oligopolistic, and monopolistic markets, market failures, and the role of the government in the economy. Issues such as the environment, taxation, and income distribution are addressed. Students may take ECON 160 and 162 in either order they choose. Offered each semester. 4 Cr. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• ECON 162 - Principles Of Macroeconomics

  This is a standard introductory course in macroeconomics. It focuses on the behavior and performance of the aggregate economy. Topics include the measurement and determination of national income, employment, inflation and the interest rate, the sources of economic growth, the causes of business cycles, and how monetary and fiscal policies stabilize the economy. Students may take ECON 160 and 162 in either order they choose. Offered each semester. 4 Cr. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• MATH 147 - Elementary Statistics

  Classification of data, frequency distributions, probability and the normal curve, elementary sampling theory. Not open to students who have credit for any other course in statistics. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 107 or consent of instructor. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 148 - Elementary Stat for Biologists

  Elementary Statistics for Biologists. Data analysis, probability, normal curve, regression, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing. This course will emphasize applications to biology. Not open to students who have credit for any other course in statistics. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 107 or consent of instructor. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• CQS 112 - Statistics For Management

  Statistical methods and their applications in managerial decision making. Topics include data collection methods, descriptive statistics, probability theory, probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, regression and correlation analysis. Not open to students who have credit for any other course in statistics, e.g., MATH 147, MATH 148, ECON 366, MATH 347 or PSYC 243. Prerequisite: CQS 111. Offered fall and spring semesters Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 220 - Calculus For Business & Mgmt

  Elements of calculus; emphasis on maximum and minimum problems. Primarily for School of Management students, who may satisfy their mathematics requirement with either MATH 220 or MATH 224 and 225, and for economics majors in the BS specialization in financial economics. Not equivalent to MATH 224 and 225 as prerequisite for MATH 226. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 108 or consent of instructor. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 224 - Differential Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in differential calculus covering limits, continuity, and differentiation. Prerequisites: MATH 223 with a grade of C- or better, or Placement Exam. Offered each half semester. 2 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• MATH 225 - Integral Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in integral calculus covering optimization and integration. Prerequisites: MATH 224 with a grade of C- or better. Offered 2nd half of fall semester and both half semesters of spring semester. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Economics majors gain a wide range of skills that are easily transferable, including an ability to think analytically and logically, perform well in written and oral expression and conduct quantitative research. These skills enable students to pursue careers in a variety of fields.

Although various roles in business are most common, economics majors are successful in law, medicine, government, nonprofits and international relations, as well as in academic roles. Read more about careers for economics majors..

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Economics website.