Economics Major/Minor

Prof. DeVault
EEGLP
Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education (LIME)

Major in Economics

The economics major consists of a minimum of 12 courses in five categories.

Introductory Course (1)

  • ECON 101 – Principles of Economics
    This course introduces students to economics and does not presuppose prior exposure to economics. It does rely on a working knowledge of algebra. This course is required for further courses in economics.

Mathematics Prerequisite Courses (2)

  • MATH 141 – Differential Calculus and Economic Modeling/MATH 161 – Calculus I
    Credit is given for only one of these two courses. MATH 141 is ordinarily taken. However, MATH 161 with the multivariate calculus module is recommended for students who want to pursue graduate study in economics or finance. Contact the Economics Department Head (see faculty listing) about enrolling in the multivariate calculus module.
  • MATH 186 – Applied Statistics
    This course has MATH 141 or MATH 161 as a prerequisite.

Theory and Methods Core Courses (3)

  • ECON 251 – Intermediate Microeconomics
  • ECON 252 – Intermediate Macroeconomics
    The above two courses have ECON 101 and MATH 141 or MATH 161 as prerequisites. Micro and Macro may be taken in either order.
  • ECON 253 – Fundamentals of Econometrics
    This course has ECON 251 or ECON 252 and MATH 186 as prerequisites.

Elective Courses (5)

  • Five economics elective courses, with at least three at the 300-level.
    Students can take more than three 300-level electives; they can take them instead of 200-level electives. Elective courses are 200- and 300-level courses other than theory and methods (ECON 251, 252 and 253). Prerequisites vary, but generally 200-level electives require ECON 101 and 300-level electives require one or more of the theory and methods core courses.

    Note    : Econ 140 does not count as an elective for the major.

Capstone Experience (1)

  • A 400-level seminar or a two-semester thesis, ECON 495-496.
    The capstone or thesis sequence provides one W attribute and is generally taken during the senior year, in either the fall or spring semester. ECON 496, but not ECON 495, counts toward the major capstone requirement.

Minor in Economics

The economics minor consists of a minimum of six courses in three categories.

Introductory Course (1)

  • ECON 101 – Principles of Economics

Theory Core Course (1):

  • ECON 251 – Intermediate Microeconomics OR ECON 252 – Intermediate Macroeconomics

Elective Courses (4)

  • Four economics elective courses
    Elective courses are any of the 200- and 300-level courses (including Econ 252 if you already took Econ 251, or Econ 251 if you already took Econ 252, and Econ 253). Prerequisites vary, but generally 200-level electives require ECON 101 and 300-level electives require one or more of the theory and methods core courses. Note: Econ 140 does not count as an elective for the minor.

Major in Mathematics and Economics

This interdisciplinary major gives mathematically talented students with career plans in economics a wide range of mathematical skills and significant experience with the fundamental ideas of economics. It also distinguishes them from the thousands of students around the country who major in economics. A distinctive feature of the program is the senior capstone experience, in which students integrate their study of mathematics and economics. The Department of Mathematics administers the joint major in mathematics and economics and advises students in the program.

The Mathematics and Economics major consists of a minimum of 15 courses in three categories.

Requirements:

  • Economics (6): ECON 101, 251, 252, 253, 327 or 366, and one elective numbered 300 or higher
  • Mathematics (8): MATH 161 or 165, 162, 263, 272 or 300, 282, 306, 335, 336
  • Capstone Experience (1): A one-semester course taken during the senior year designed to integrate the ideas and techniques students have encountered in their work in mathematics and economics. The capstone experience may consist of ECON 324, MATH 301, MATH 347, an additional upper level econometrics course (ECON 327 or ECON 366), any 400-level ECON course (including ECON 496) except ECON 495; or MATH 496.
  • Note: Students in the major are encouraged to take CS 110 as an elective.