Sample Schedules 

The major consists of 12 courses, which include mathematical prerequisites. Given that students typically take four classes each semester for a total of eight semesters, this leaves ample room for flexibility in scheduling these courses. It’s important to note that the sequence of courses can vary significantly based on factors like concurrent programs of study, plans to study abroad, thesis writing, and preparatory courses for summer internships. Therefore, course sequencing largely depends on individual student choices and circumstances beyond the major.

To assist with this planning, we have provided three sample schedules below. These schedules represent different scenarios and choices made by students. However, please remember that these are just examples and are not the only options available. Getting acquainted with these schedules will help you understand the flexibility this major offers in course scheduling.

A Major with ECON 101 in the First Year

 Year Fall Spring
1 ECON 101 MATH 141
2 200-level elective
MATH 186
ECON 251
200-level elective
3 ECON 252
ECON 253
300-level elective
4 300-level elective 300-level elective
 

Thesis (both semesters) or Capstone (either semester)

A Major with ECON 101 in the Second Year

 Year Fall Spring
1 [no coursework toward major] [no coursework toward major]
2 ECON 101
MATH 141
ECON 251
MATH 186
3 ECON 252
200- or 300-level elective (with 251 prerequisite)
ECON 253
200- or 300-level elective (with 251 or 252 prerequisite)
4 300-level elective
300-level elective
300-level elective
 

Thesis (both semesters) or Capstone (either semester)

A Major Studying Abroad for Entire Junior Year

 Year Fall Spring
1 ECON 101
MATH 141
ECON 252
200-level elective
2 ECON 251
MATH 186
ECON 253
200-level or 300-level elective (with 251 or 252 prerequisite)
3 [no coursework toward major required] [no coursework toward major required]
4 300-level elective
300-level elective
300-level elective
 

Thesis (both semesters) or Capstone (either semester)

Support for Students

Supplemental Instructors

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a student-led, collaborative learning opportunity available for many academically demanding courses. Supplemental Instruction is designed to assist students to integrate WHAT to learn with HOW to learn. For this reason, SI is the preferred support option for courses in which it is offered. The SI course schedule can be found below and in TutorTrac.

Mentored Study Groups

As a means to provide structured support to second-tier gateway courses, the Mentored Study Group program began in the spring 2015 semester. Since that time it has grown to include specific courses in math, engineering, chemistry, and economics departments. The MSG model is based on principles that have proven efficacy in enhancing the learning of the complex subject matter, increasing understanding of difficult material, instilling confidence in mastery of the material, and improving exam grades. MSGs are facilitated by upper-class students who work closely with course professors to ensure Mentored Study Group leaders are well prepared to explain complex course topics. The MSG schedule by course is listed below and can be found in TutorTrac

Additional Advice

Students on an F-1 visa

  • The Economics major (CIP Code: 45.0603) and the Mathematics and Economics major (CIP Code: 30.4901) are both classified as STEM, thus making graduates with either major eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).

AP Credit, International Baccalaureate, A-Levels

  • Policies for economics are listed by the Registrar.

Students interested in graduate programs

Economics or Finance

These programs generally require a high degree of mathematical sophistication. Students thinking of continuing in such a program are advised to:

  • take MATH 161 in place of MATH 141
  • take additional courses in mathematics and computer sciences such as MATH 162, MATH 163, MATH 290, MATH 282, MATH 306, MATH 337, MATH 356, and MATH 358; CS 104, CS 105, or CS 106
  • select economics electives with significant mathematical and statistical content, for example, ECON 327, ECON 366
  • consider acquiring job experience such as being an econometrics supplemental instruction leader, a research assistant at Lafayette or a Federal Reserve Bank, or an intern at a research institute or NGO

Students thinking about this option should discuss their plans with the department head and other faculty members.

Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA programs look for students who have taken a wide range of courses across the curriculum rather than for students who have narrowly focused on economics and mathematics. It is not necessary to have majored in economics. MBA programs normally expect that students have worked for a couple of years in business, government, or similar organization before they begin the MBA program. Consequently, the appropriate preparatory coursework for MBA programs is a wide range of liberal arts courses.