Degree Program
A sound knowledge of economics is essential in understanding the contemporary world and its problems. To meet the needs of those desiring a comprehensive introduction to economic principles and problems, ECON201 and 202 are offered each term. For concentrators in economics, a well-balanced offering of courses is designed to equip the student with an understanding of basic economic relationships, the essential tools of economic analysis, and a store of factual knowledge. An undergraduate concentration in economics is excellent preparation for students planning for careers in business or government, or for graduate programs or law school.
PREREQUISITES
Students desiring to concentrate in economics must complete ECON 201 and 202 as prerequisites. Students are advised to take ECON 201 before 202. MATH 104, 105 or equivalent is a prerequisite for the concentration and for the core required courses, ECON 301, 302, and 305. (MATH 131 does not satisfy this requirement.) MATH 113 or 115 is strongly recommended.
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
All students must complete the basic curriculum of ECON 301, 302, and 305, only one of which can be transferred to UM-D. MATH 105 or equivalent is a prerequisite to these courses; MATH 131 does not satisfy this prerequisite requirement. MATH 113 or 115 is strongly recommended. ECON 301 and 302 should be taken no later than the junior year. In addition, students must elect five other courses in economics to provide a total of 24 hours beyond the introductory courses. At least one of these five additional courses must be at the 400 level (excluding ECON 498 and 499). It is strongly recommended that students take ACC 298 (Principles of Accounting) and ECON 415 (Econometrics). Those considering graduate study in economics are advised to take one year of calculus, MATH 217 (matrix algebra), ECON 415, and ECON 465.
COGNATES
Students must complete at least six hours in cognate courses selected from the following list: ACC 297 or 298; CIS 121 and 122 or CIS 123 or MIS 120; MATH 113 or 115; Math 114 or 116; PHIL 234, 350, 485; CCM (or CIS or IMSE) 150, 200, 250; CIS 112; 300- or 400- level courses in anthropology, geography, history, political science, or sociology. Internships and independent study courses may not be used to satisfy the cognate requirement.
NOTES
The same course cannot satisfy both Distribution and Major/Cognate Requirements. Only 44 hours in economics or any other discipline may count in the 120 hours for a degree. A minimum of 48 hours of upper level credit (300+) is required for a degree. Graduation requires a 2.00 grade point average in the following: (a) all upper level Economics courses, (b) all cognate courses, and (c) all UM-D coursework. At least 15 of the 24 upper level hours of economics must be elected at UM-D. A maximum of 3 hours of internship may count in the 24 hours of requirements for the major. A maximum of 6 hours of economics internship credit may count in the 120 hours for graduation. ECON 499 Directed Research does not normally count in the major. See the economics advisor.
MINOR OR AREA OF FOCUS
A minor or area of focus consists of 12 hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level courses) credit in Economics. ECON 498 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
The student must have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the 12 hours of upper-division Economics courses. Only 3 hours of transfer, independent study, internship, or "S/E" credits may be used to fulfill the requirements for a 12 hour minor such as Economics. No hours transferred from a community college and no lower division courses from a four-year institution may be included in the courses for a minor. Finally, students must petition for recognition of a minor upon completion of the required coursework. Minors are NOT automatically granted. Petition forms are available at the CASL Advising office.