Effective as of Fall 2020.
There will be changes to the existing Economics major and the department is adding a new major called Applied Economics. However, these changes to the Economics major are for students who declare AFTER the Spring of 2020. The Economics Department is now offering two majors leading to a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Current majors – please do not panic. Your major track does not change.
What changes are coming to the Economics Major?
The changes to the existing Economics major will include Econ 375 and Econ 490 must be taken. Aside from these changes, the Economics major will remain the same.
What is the new major?
In addition, the Economics Department will be offering a new major as in Fall 2020. The new major is called “Applied Economics” and is more flexible to go along with other majors such as Business. The list of required classes can be found below and in the flyer.
If you are already a Business major and Economics minor, then switching to the Applied Economics major is very easy. Typically, an Economics minor switching to the Applied Economics major will need to take up to 6 more courses: Econ 300, Econ 302, Econ 375, Econ 361A, Econ 460, Econ 490. However, the additional courses depend on what classes you have already taken, please speak with your advisor or department chair to clarify.
As of Fall 2020, what are the required classes for the Economics major and Applied Economics major?
| Economics Major | Applied Economics Major | Economics Minor |
| Econ 201B – Princip of Macroeconomics Econ 202B – Princip of Microeconomics Econ 303 – Microeconomics Econ 304 – Macroeconomics Econ 375 – American Economic History Econ 300 – Intro Economic Analysis Econ 361A – Econometrics Econ 462 – Advanced Economic Analysis Econ 490 – Experiential Learning 12 additional upper-level economics |
Econ 201B – Princip of Macroeconomics Econ 202B – Princip of Microeconomics Econ 302 – Managerial Economics Econ 303 – Microeconomics Econ 375 – American Economic History Econ 300 – Intro Economic Analysis Econ 361A (OR Stat 180) – Econometrics or Intro to Statistics Econ 460 – Applied Economic Analysis Econ 490 – Experiential Learning 12 additional hours econ or business; minimum 3 econ |
Econ 201B – Princip of Macroeconomics Econ 202B – Princip of MicroeconomicsOne intermediate course in economic theory: either ECON 303- Microeconomics or ECON 304- MacroeconomicsOne course in quantitative economics: either ECON 300 or ECON 361- Intro to Economic Analysis or Introductory EconometricsNine (9) additional credits in upper-level economics courses (i.e. courses at the 300 or 400-level). |
| TOTAL: 39 hours | TOTAL: 39 hours | TOTAL: 21 hours |
What major is right for me?
The economics major includes both macro and micro theory and focuses on quantitative analysis and research methods through a 3-course sequence (ECON 300-361-462). Students interested in economic theory, macroeconomic analysis, international and developmental economics, monetary and fiscal policy, careers in government research and policy, or graduate study should complete the Economics major.
The applied economics major focuses on microeconomic analysis and its application to business and industry. The focus of the research methods in the Applied Economics major is on general statistical analysis and case studies. Students interested in microeconomic theory and the application of the economic way of thinking in business, the analysis of industries, and careers in business and business-related fields should complete the Applied Economics major.
For more information, please see any of the handouts and talk to your advisor or the department chair.
Flyer with details of major changes and Applied Economics: