This information is part of the .
The major is designed to encourage a student with strong interests in the two areas to develop a deeper understanding of economics by viewing it, in part, as an area of applied mathematics. This major should be considered seriously by all those intending to pursue graduate studies in economics, business, or quantitative social science, and also by those desiring a more flexible commitment to the major programs in these two departments.ÌýAs its name suggests, the Mathematical Economics major is mathematically intense. Students declaring this major should possess a high level of aptitude in both mathematics and economics, and they should be prepared to apply advanced mathematical skills toward problems in economics. Similar to the economics major, theÌýmathematical economics major meets the classification as a STEM discipline according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so that international students are eligible for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
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Students who are considering graduate school in economics are strongly encouraged to take additional mathematics courses, including MATH 377Ìý-ÌýReal Analysis I .
Major Requirements
Prospective majors should aim to complete ECON 151, ECON 251, ECON 252, statistics, andÌýMATH 163Ìý-ÌýCalculus III Ìýby the end of sophomore year, especially if they plan to study abroad during their junior year.
At least one of the ten economics courses must be a senior-level seminar (at the 410 level or above). ECON 490Ìýcannot be used to satisfy the seminar requirement except in unusual circumstances and with the permission of the department chair.
The major consists of three mathematics courses and ten economics courses unless pre-matriculation credit (e.g., AP or transfer student credit) forÌýECON 151ÌýÌýhas been received. Students who have received pre-matriculation credit for ECON 151Ìýmust complete a minimum of nine (9) economics courses.
The major requirements consist of the following:
All of the Following
- ECON 151Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Economics (prerequisite to all advanced ECON courses at the 200-400 level)
- ECON 251Ìý-ÌýIntermediate Microeconomics (must earn a grade of C or better)
- ECON 252Ìý-ÌýIntermediate Macroeconomics (must earn a grade of C or better)
- ECON 375Ìý-ÌýApplied Econometrics (must earn a grade of C or better) ECON 375 has two mathematics prerequisites, each of which can be satisfied in multiple ways:MATH 161Ìý-ÌýCalculus I , MATH 162Ìý-ÌýCalculus II , or MATH 163Ìý-ÌýCalculus III ; or the equivalent international exam transfer creditÌý(e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or other transfer credit may be eligible for an exemption for MATH 161, per approval by the department chair.ÌýStudents who have taken an equivalent course may petition the department chair for an exemption.MATH 105Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Statistics ÌýorÌýCORE S143Ìý-ÌýStatistics in Real Life . Students who have taken an equivalent course (such as BIOL 320Ìý-ÌýBiostatistics Ìýor PSYC 309Ìý-ÌýQuantitative Methods in Behavioral Research ) may petition the department chair for an exemption. Students with an equivalent international exam transfer credit (e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or other transfer credit may be eligible for an exemption for MATH 105, per approval by the department chair.
- A senior-level seminar (at the 410 level or above). ECON 490Ìýcannot be used to satisfy the seminar requirement except in unusual circumstances and with the permission of the department chair.ÌýIf students take ECON 474 or 475 for their seminar, they need to take an additional 300-level elective to satisfy the requirement of ten economics classes.
- MATH 163Ìý-ÌýCalculus III
- Two additional MATH courses (MATH 214Ìýor higher) chosen in consultation with the student's adviser
- Two additional economics electives (excluding ECON 105), beyond the courses listed below. At least one of these electives must be numbered above 300.
Three of the Following
At least three of the following mathematically-oriented economics courses, in addition to those listed above:
- ECON 345Ìý-ÌýGames and Strategies
- ECON 355Ìý-ÌýAdvanced Macroeconomics
- ECON 357Ìý-ÌýAdvanced Microeconomic Theory
- ECON 385Ìý-ÌýAdvanced Econometrics
- ECON 474Ìý-ÌýSeminar in Mathematical Economics
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ECON 475Ìý-ÌýSeminar in Econometrics
ECON 345, 355 and 357 are normally offered one semester each year. ECON 385, 474 and 475 are offered less frequently. ECON 474 and 475 can double-count as an Economics seminar and a mathematically-oriented economics course, however, students will still need three mathematics courses and ten economics courses to complete the major.
GPA Requirement
A minimum grade of C is required for ECON 251, ECON 252, and ECON 375Ìýfor the major. Satisfactory completion of the major requires a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the 13 courses in the major.
Honors and High Honors
Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the EconomicsÌýdepartmentÌýpage.
Major Declaration
In order to declare the major, students must have first earned a grade of C or better in eitherÌýECON 251Ìýor ECON 252. Students who declare a major while enrolled in one of these courses may file "provisional" major declarations.
Economics Department
For more information about the department, including Faculty,Ìýtransfer credit, awards, etc.,Ìýplease visit theÌýEconomics departmentÌýcatalogÌýpage.