Economics (major)

Economics is the branch of social science that deals with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services and their management. In defining economics, many professors like to emphasize that economics is the study of the incentives that give rise to such production, distribution and consumption.

Economics majors often decide based on their curriculum that the ideal distribution of money involves a sizable allocation for themselves and pursue a career in investment banking after graduation.

Requirements

• Principles of Economics
• Intermediate Macroeconomics, which requires at least Calculus I
• Intermediate Microeconomics, which requires at least Calculus III
• Introduction to Econometrics, which requires Introduction to Statistics
• 5 electives
• a seminar

During Departamental Open House, the representing Professors like to say that you do not have to be a math whiz to do well in the major as long as you are competent in math. This is a lie! You may understand all the mathematical concepts inside and outside your calc classes, but during the exams you will be pushed to go beyond extrapolate from you've been taught to solve a problem the likes of which you have never seen before. If you are not brilliant at math, you will not do well in the classes, especially in Econometrics where the final is 90% of your grade. Even if you are passionate about Econ, if you don't have a great GPA you cannot write a thesis.

If you like Econ but are not a math whiz, take sociology or something.