Economics (EC)

Students majoring in economics learn analytical skills and methods of the discipline, including deductive reasoning, decision-making techniques, quantitative analysis, and modeling principles. They apply these skills by analyzing the ways in which economic forces affect national and international policies and issues. In keeping with the liberal arts tradition and goals of the College, the economics major supports the students' growth in critical thinking, problem solving, global understanding and appreciation, and communication skills. In core courses, students learn analytical and quantitative skills. In upper-level courses, students apply these analytical, quantitative, and writing skills and focus on a variety of domestic and international policy-oriented issues and engage in independent research. The Economics major is classified as STEM.

Students begin their study of economics by taking “Introduction to Macroeconomics” and “Introduction to Microeconomics.”  While the former is a "Fundamental Quantitative Reasoning" (FQR) course, the latter is an "Applied Quantitative Reasoning" (AQR) course. Depending on their placement, some students may need to take a FQR course such as Introduction to Macroeconomics first before being able to enroll in an AQR course such as Introduction to Microeconomics.  Students majoring or minoring in economics are also required to take Calculus I (or equivalent). Upper-level courses include a second semester of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory as well as courses in statistics and applied econometrics which are required of economics majors, and courses on specific areas of economics such as international trade, international finance, development economics, health economics, sports economics, experimental economics, labor economics, economics of European integration, public finance, environmental economics, the history of economic thought, and monetary theory and policy. All seniors are required to take a Senior Seminar in the spring semester of their final year and a Pre-Capstone Seminar in a prior semester.  Students with scores of 5 on the AP macroeconomics and/or microeconomics exams will receive credit for EC 103/104 accordingly. Students with scores of 4 should contact the economics department chair regarding a waiver exam. Students with IB credit in economics should contact the economics department chair regarding possible credit for introductory economics.

 

Economics Button

2nd floor, Filene Hall
518-580-5090