Economics Major (BA)

Economics Major Requirements

• ECON 1100 - Principles of Economics
• ECON 1200 - Big Data & Social Issues
• QMBE 1100 - Introduction to R
• QMBE 1320 - Introduction to Business Analytics
• ECON 3100 - Intermediate Economic Theory
• ECON 3860 - Junior Seminar in Economics
• MGMT 3960 - Internship with Seminar
• ECON 3820 - Econometrics
• ECON 5860 - Senior Seminar Economics

Note

Computer programming is strongly recommended but not required. MATH 1170 is not required of students who complete 1180 or other higher-level math courses. A student planning to do graduate study in economics should complete MATH 1180: Calculus II, 3320: Multivariable and Vector Calculus, and 3330: Linear Algebra.

Optional Interdisciplinary Concentrations

Students pursuing an economics major may also choose to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in behavioral economics or public policy.

Behavioral Economics Concentration

Human decision-making is nuanced and complex. Over the last few decades, psychologists and economists have forged a new area of study – behavioral economics – to better understand and predict judgment and decisions. This field combines ideas and methods from economics, psychology, and neuroscience to create a more complete view of human behavior. A growing number of employers are seeking to use behavioral economics to inform their policies and practices. Insights are being applied to a wide range of contexts and industries, including health care, education, personal finance, advertising, and public policy. 

In the interdisciplinary concentration in behavioral economics, students will learn core theories and methods in economics and psychology, then integrate and apply this knowledge through applied projects. Students will design field and laboratory experiments, informed by behavioral theory, and analyze data for insights. Each student will also design a research project that explores an area of judgment and behavior, tailored to their personal interests and goals. Students can pair this concentration with a BA in Psychology or a BA in Economics.

The Behavioral Economics Concentration is open to students majoring in Economics  or Psychology .

Public Policy Concentration

The public policy concentration educates students about public policy and helps them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create innovative, socially responsible solutions to the most critical issues facing society. The program forms an arc, beginning with an introduction to ethical public policy, building skills with methodology coursework, and culminating with a capstone experience in which students engage directly with a public policy issue in a semester-long applied project or internship. Students will acquire an extensive set of skills in policy evaluation and analysis, equipping them to become agents of change to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, at home and abroad. The public policy concentration is open to students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice , Economics , Environmental Studies , Legal Studies , Political Science , or Public Health Science .