Economics BA (BS available in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture)

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Programs in the School of Economics emphasize the application of economic reasoning to public policy development and to private decision-making. The curriculum in economics includes courses that focus on the understanding of both American economic institutions and international economic institutions. The faculty of the School of Economics brings a broad set of experiences and perspectives that provide students with diverse learning opportunities. At the undergraduate level, the program strives to develop in students the analytic skills that will prepare them to succeed in a variety of career or advanced educational settings.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics is a program that trains students in economic analysis and the functioning of economic institutions. The program emphasizes public economic policy, both domestic and international. The major offers students valuable preparation for a variety of career paths. Students may design their programs of study:

for immediate entry upon graduation into business, government, or other employment;
for graduate education leading to a business administration or law degree;
for graduate work in economics or related disciplines.

Students are required to work with their advisors on selecting professional electives. Students are also encouraged to discuss career or graduate school preparation with their advisor.

Program Requirements:

1. Economics Core Courses

ECO 120 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 121 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 321 - Intermediate Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 350 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory Credits: 3
or
ECO 420 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory with Calculus Credits: 3
NOTE: A minimum grade of C- is required in each of the four Economics Core Courses

2. Twenty-one (21) additional credit hours in ECO courses.

A minimum of nine (9) credits must be at the 400 level. ECO 480, Introduction to Mathematical Economics and ECO 485, Introduction to Economic Statistics and Econometrics, are strongly recommended for students considering graduate study in economics.

3. Mathematics Requirement.

One of the following:

MAT 115 - Applied Mathematics for Business and Economics Credits: 3
MAT 122 - Pre-Calculus Credits: 4
MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4

4. Statistics Requirement.

One of the following:

MAT 215 - Introduction to Statistics for Business and Economics Credits: 3
MAT 232 - Principles of Statistical Inference Credits: 3
MAT 434 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 4

5. Professional Electives:

Students are required to work with their advisor to select 27 credit hours of Professional Electives. Courses selected to fulfill this requirement must be approved by the faculty advisor and must benefit the student’s career or graduate school plans. With this block of courses, students are encouraged to explore minors in other academic areas, take foreign languages, or study in another country or another university. Electives recommended for this block of courses includes, for example: BUA 201, Principles of Financial Accounting, more business courses as well as one or more computer courses.

6. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in ECO courses.

Residence Requirement:

Economics majors must complete a minimum of 18 credits of economics credits at the University of Maine.