Economics, BS

Economics is the study of how human communities provide for their material needs and wants. We explore what motivates human action and thus the choices of individuals, firms, and policymakers regarding production, consumption, and allocation of scarce resources and output. Institutions, policy, and historical change in the local and global marketplace impact people’s daily lives and so we also study the choices people make in their historical, social, environmental, and political contexts.

The Bachelor of Science in Economics

B.S.: Math 1404, 1411; Economics 1311, 3312, 3320, 3327 or PSY 3326, 3328, 3340, 4325, 4328 and seven additional upper level elective courses in Economics. Students may also count BUS 3310, BUS 3314 and ACCT 5323 towards their upper level electives requirement. It is strongly recommended that students complete the math sequence (Math 1404 and 1411) by their sophomore year, and complete the quantitative methods sequence (ECO 3327 or PSY 3326 and ECO 3328) no later than their Junior Year.  "Students starting the BS in 2024-2025 and after must select at least one course from each of the following categories for at least two of their advanced electives:
     1) International Policy (ECO 3330 International Economics, ECO 4335 Economic Development, ECO 4332 Comparative Economic Systems, relevant ECO 4356 Special Topics courses with permission of the chair)
     2) Public Policy (ECO 4338 Public Finance, ECO 4336 Labor Economics, ECO 4334 Industrial Organization, relevant
ECO 4356 SpecialTopics courses with permission of the chair)."

Internships are strongly recommended. Students intending to pursue a PhD in Economics will find the B.S. degree or a double major in Economics and Mathematics to be desirable for their preparation. Consult department faculty for advice concerning preparation for graduate studies in Economics.