Program Requirements
Please note: The printed course catalog contains the official listing
of program requirements, and takes precedence over information listed on
this site. Should you discover a discepancy between the printed catalog
and any information posted here, please contact the department for
instructions.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics
consists of at least 40 credits distributed as follows:
A. 19 credits
- ECON 101, Principles of Microeconomics
- ECON 102, Principles of Macroeconomics
- MATH 151, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I OR
MATH 155, Elementary Calculus I
- STAT 351, Applied Statistics for Business and Economics OR
STAT 355, Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Scientists
and Engineers
- ECON 311, Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis
- ECON 312, Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis
B. 21 additional credits in economics, numbered ECON 314 or higher.
Econ 600, ECON 601, and ECON 602 may not be used to fulfill major
requirements.
No course in which a student has earned a grade below "C" shall
fulfill the major requirements.
Emphasis within the Economics Major
There are a number of different emphases that an economics major may
want pursue, depending on educational and career objectives. The
recommendations below are a general guide.
- Students completing a liberal arts program or preparing for
professional school should select courses according to their specific
interests and should develop a program in consultation with their major
advisor.
- Students preparing for graduate study in economics, particularly at
the Ph.D. level, should complete courses that provide the necessary
mathematical background. These courses would include:
- ECON 314 Analytic Methods in Economics
- ECON 421 Introduction to Econometrics
- MATH 221 Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MATH 225 Introduction to Differential Equations
- MATH 251 Multivariable Calculus
- STAT 453 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
- Students interested in pursuing a career in business should consider
completing the requirements for a certificate in Administrative
Sciences
in addition to completing the requirements for the major.
Career and Academic Paths
A major in economics is excellent preparation for employment in
business or government, for professional study in law, business
management, urban planning or public administration, or for graduate study
in economics.
Graduates of the UMBC economics programs:
- Enter the business world - many of our graduates become certified
public accountants.
- Enter government service - employed as economists in local, state, or
federal government.
- Attend business school - students get an MBA and enter middle
management.
- Obtain an M.A. or Ph.D. in economics - these students will teach
and conduct research at
the college level or enter research oriented positions in government or
business.
- Attend law school - a B.A. in economics is excellent preparation for
a career in law.
