Economics, BA

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Economics

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics program offered by the Weatherhead School of Management provides excellent training for a wide variety of professions. Graduates with a BA in Economics often pursue careers in:

• Business
• Data Analytics
• Finance
• Management and Economic Consulting
• Public Policy Analysis
• Public Administration
• Law

Training in economics allows students to understand how public policy and market forces interact to affect their profession, which better equips students to undertake future leadership positions in their field. Because the range of interests among economics majors is broad, faculty work with students to develop a plan of study that best fits their aspirations, career goals and interests.

Students will learn how to analyze the performance of an economy using mathematical models and empirical data analysis using statistical software, R, or Python. Students have the opportunity to assist Weatherhead faculty in their research activities and to participate in independent research projects. Students also have the flexibility to participate in the Practicum Program.

Quantitative Methods Concentration

The STEM-designated quantitative methods concentration to the major focuses on quantitative application of economic theory, using mathematics, statistics, or other data analysis techniques. It consists of 15 total courses—three more than the regular economics major. As with the general economics major, the order in which a student takes courses is flexible.

For more information, review the Weatherhead School of Management economics program website or contact the Economics Academic Representative.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

The economics major may be elected in one of two formats:

1. Standard economics major 
2. STEM-designated Quantitative Methods concentration to the standard economics major.

Major Requirements

a

Students considering additional coursework in mathematics (i.e. MATH 201, MATH 223, etc.) should take MATH 121 and MATH 122.

b

ECON 326 should be taken by the junior year to enrich understanding of upper-level elective courses and to enable engagement in more sophisticated economic analysis.

c

Students considering additional coursework in statistics should take STAT 301 and STAT 302. 

d

A minimum of five additional economics courses at the 200- or 300- level. ECON 398 does not count toward fulfilling this requirement.

Capstone Project

The standard economics major does not require a capstone as part of the major. However, students need to complete a capstone project as part of the General Education Requirements. The Economics Department offers the following courses for a capstone.

a

Requires a detailed proposal, faculty sponsor, and approval by the Academic Representative for Economics.

Concentration Requirements

Concentration in Quantitative Methods

The STEM-designated Quantitative Methods concentration requires a total of 15 courses: 10-11 economics courses, and 4-5 non-economics quantitative courses. Note, while the general economics major does not require completion of a capstone in economics, the Quantitative Methods concentration does require a capstone in economics. 

a

Students considering additional coursework in mathematics (i.e. MATH 201, MATH 223, etc.) should take MATH 121 and MATH 122.

b

Students considering additional coursework in statistics should take STAT 301 and STAT 302. 

c

At least 3 credit hours must be in a 200-level or 300-level economics course. At least 3 credit hours must be taken from one of the non-economics elective lists: Mathematics, Advanced Empirical Methods in Business, Programming, or Statistics.

Non-Economics Electives 

Sample Plan of Study