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Bachelor's Degree Programs
Economics

Economics is the study of how people and societies determine how much to work both in the marketplace and at home, how much to spend, save, and invest. A major in economics supports the liberal arts tradition of promoting students' growth in critical thinking and developing an understanding of the world around them. Economics provides insight into how markets can function in coordinating the activities of many diverse buyers and sellers. It also indicates conditions which make it difficult for markets to function well without either governmental or nonprofit sector intervention.

Economics also analyzes trends and forces affecting the economy as a whole such as a sound monetary system, price level changes, employment and income growth. A degree in economics provides problem-solving and analytical skills, which are applicable in many professions and careers. It is excellent preparation for graduate and professional school, including law school, and for rewarding careers in consulting, finance, and other private and public sector employment.

The economics major has the option of pursuing a general track or a quantitative track. The general track provides a firm grounding in economic theory and exposure to problems and techniques the student is likely to encounter in a business, nonprofit, or government agency environment. The quantitative track supplements the general track with extensive training in mathematical and statistical techniques required for graduate course work.

This track is also recommended for those students who prefer a more quantitative approach to problem solving. Completion of this track fully prepares the student for entrance into the department’s Master of Arts in Economics program at IUPUI as well as graduate programs at other universities.

All majors must complete 18 credit hours in economics to include ECON E201, ECON E202, ECON E270, ECON E321, ECON E322, and ECON E406. Except for ECON E406, the senior seminar, these courses should be completed by the end of the junior year. Note that ECON E201 is a prerequisite for ECON E202 and ECON E321 and that ECON E202 is a prerequisite for ECON E322. ECON E321 and ECON E322 are prerequisites for ECON E406.

General Track
The general track requires an additional six courses, consisting of the following:
  • two courses (6 credit hours) in mathematics, including finite mathematics and calculus (MATH M118 and MATH M119). Additional work in mathematics, computer science, and accounting is recommended.
  • three 300- or 400-level electives from economics.
The total number of credit hours is 33.
Quantitative Track
The quantitative track requires an additional six courses consisting of the following:
  • MATH 16500 and MATH 16600 (8 credit hours);
  • E470;
  • one 300- or 400-level elective (excluding E470).

The total number of credit hours is 32.

To satisfy the department’s residency requirement, at least 12 credit hours of economics must be taken at IUPUI.
A grade of C (2.0) or higher must be received in each course required for the major (a C– does not count).

Residency Requirement: 12 credits in Economics (E406 required to be taken at IUPUI)