Economics Major Requirements

Majoring in Economics provides students with valuable analytical skills, quantitative methods, and a deep understanding of economic principles that govern decision-making processes at individual, business, and governmental levels. This guide outlines the typical requirements for completing an Economics major in most universities.

Prerequisite Courses

Before declaring Economics as a major, students typically must complete foundational courses that provide necessary background knowledge:

Introduction to Microeconomics: Usually course code ECON 101
Introduction to Macroeconomics: Usually course code ECON 102
Calculus I: Usually course code MATH 120 or equivalent
Elementary Statistics: Usually course code STAT 200 or equivalent

Core Courses

The core of the Economics major typically includes these required courses

Intermediate Microeconomics: Advanced study of consumer behavior, firm theory, and market structures
Intermediate Macroeconomics: In-depth analysis of economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and monetary policy
Econometrics: Statistical methods applied to economic data and hypothesis testing
Mathematical Economics: Mathematical techniques for economic analysis

Elective Requirements

Beyond core courses, students must complete a specified number of economics electives (typically 4-6 courses) to satisfy major requirements. Popular electives include:

International Economics
Development Economics
Financial Economics
Public Economics
Environmental Economics
Health Economics
Industrial Organization
Labor Economics
Game Theory
Behavioral Economics

Quantitative Requirements

Modern economics heavily relies on mathematical and statistical analysis. Most programs require:

Calculus II (and sometimes Calculus III)
Linear Algebra
Advanced Statistics
Data Analysis and Programming (e.g., R, Python, Stata)

Capstone Experience

Most Economics programs require a culminating experience, typically one of the following:

Senior Thesis: Original research project under faculty supervision
Senior Seminar: Advanced research-focused course
Economics Practicum: Applied research project with external organization

Concentration Tracks

Some universities offer specialization tracks within the Economics major:

Financial Economics Track

Corporate Finance
Financial Markets and Institutions
Investments and Portfolio Management
Derivatives and Risk Management

Public Policy Track

Public Finance
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Health Economics
Urban Economics

International Economics Track

International Trade
International Finance
Development Economics
Global Economic History

Typical Course Distribution

The Economics major typically requires between 36-48 credit hours, distributed as follows:

Introductory Economics: 6 credits
Intermediate Theory: 6 credits
Econometrics: 3-4 credits
Economics Electives: 18-24 credits
Related Field Courses: 6-9 credits
Capstone: 3-4 credits

Related Field Requirements

Economics majors often must complete courses in related fields:

Accounting Fundamentals
Computer Science/Programming
Political Science
Mathematics (beyond basic requirements)
Business Management
Sociology or Psychology

Internship and Research Opportunities

Many economics programs encourage or require:

Internships with financial firms, government agencies, or research organizations
Participation in faculty research projects
Independent study courses
Study abroad programs with economics components

Planning Advice

To successfully complete the major:

Complete math prerequisites early
Take econometrics after intermediate theory
Balance quantitative and theoretical courses
Consider a research experience
Seek internships related to your interests
Build relationships with faculty for recommendations

Program Variations

Specific requirements may vary between institutions. The table below highlights common variations:

Institution Type	Typical Requirements	Special Considerations
Liberal Arts College	Theory-oriented with fewer specialized electives	Emphasis on interdisciplinary connections
Research University	Strong quantitative focus, research requirement	Opportunities for faculty research collaboration
Business School	More finance and management electives	Practical application toward business careers
Public Policy Program	Emphasis on applied and policy analysis	Government and NGO focus