Course descriptionEconomics is the study of how best to satisfy the wants and desires of all people given the limited resources available to us on this Earth. It concerns the wealth of nations, its origins in production and exchange, its allocation among competing uses, its distribution among individuals, its accumulation or decline. The approach is descriptive and analytical; many issues of national and international policy are considered; the focus is on social institutions and social outcomes rather than on personal financial success per se.
Economics majors, and all students, should feel free to visit any of our faculty during their office hours and by appointment to discuss particular courses, programs of study and economics in general.
Requirements for the Major in Economics
A major in economics requires the successful completion of:
1. One year of Principles of Economics (Econ 51 & 52)
2. One year of Economic Theory (Econ 104 & 105)
3. One semester of Economic Statistics (Econ 91)
4. One semester of Econometrics (Econ 125)
5. Four additional upper-level courses in economics (i.e., courses having principles of economics as a prerequisite).
6. Senior seminar in economics in the student’s final year (Econ 198)
7. Senior thesis for honors candidates.
Completion of Math 30 or equivalent is required before taking Macroeconomic Theory and recommended before taking Microeconomic Theory. Students intending to pursue an MA or a PhD in economics are strongly urged to:
• Complete Math 31 and Math 32;
• Complete one semester of linear algebra and differential equations; and
• Select upper-level courses that are strongest in their theoretical orientation.