Economics, BA

At its core, economics is the study of choice-why choices need to be made, how choices are made, and the implications of those choices for quality of life. Economists explore these questions through the development and empirical testing of economic models. These models apply mathematical abstractions to the “real world” so that economic statements may be made precise. A Bachelor of Arts in Economics prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities in both the public and private sector, and for graduate studies in law and business. Interested students are encouraged to contact the department advisor or the department chair. Information is available on the Economics department website. 

The department encourages majors and minors to seek out undergraduate research opportunities with faculty as well as internship opportunities that would better prepare them for graduate school as well as the job market. The department has one paid internship, the Cushman Public Policy Research Internship, which is to be completed under the supervision of a faculty member.

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics requires the following:

• A minimum of 36 credit hours of ECON course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
• At least 30 hours of ECON courses, including the core required courses, must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. No grade below a C- may apply to the major.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all ECON course work.
• No more than 60 credit hours of ECON course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.

Additional course work is required to complete the Economics, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.

Learning Outcomes

• Students demonstrate knowledge of economic ideas and models.
• Students are able to apply economic ideas and models and use economic data.
• Students are able to develop an economic analysis of an issue of interest.

Departmental Honors

• Students demonstrate knowledge of economic ideas and models.
• Students are able to apply economic ideas and models and use economic data.
• Students are able to develop an economic analysis of an issue of interest.

Students who wish to graduate with department honors must complete the following courses in addition to the given degree requirements.

• MATH 1350 Calculus I
       
• ECON 4810 Introduction to Econometrics
      
• one additional 4000-level ECON elective

With these three additional courses completed, department honors will be determined by major GPA at the following thresholds:

• Distinction: at least 3.2
• High Distinction: at least 3.5
• Highest Distinction: at least 3.8