Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Economics B.A.

Economics
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 45 to 52
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Economics emphasizes critical thinking and the understanding of basic economic principles. The B.A. gives students a solid background in economics, is the least quantitative of the three economics majors, and provides excellent preparation for students interested in working immediately after graduation or considering law school. Students choose from courses in comparative economic systems, economic theory, econometrics, economic development, game theory, industrial organization, cost-benefit analysis, environmental, financial, international, mathematical, monetary, public, and labor economics. For more information, visit www.econ.umn.edu.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Students must complete 3 courses before admission to the program.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Preparatory Coursework
Take the following 3 courses for a total of 12 credits.
ECON 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics [SOCS, GP] (4.0 cr)
ECON 1102 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4.0 cr)
MATH 1271 - Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1571H - Honors Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1371 - CSE Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 4 semester(s) of any second language. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
CLA BA degrees require 4 semesters or the equivalent of a second language. CLA degrees require students to complete 48 credits of upper division coursework taken at the 3xxx, 4xxx, or 5xxx level. For a BA at least 18 of the 48 upper division credits must be outside of the major. For some specific majors, there are exceptions to this requirement. This program requires 18 upper division credits outside the major. See your adviser for a list of courses that can or cannot be used to meet this requirement. All major coursework must be taken A-F. Up to 3 credits of independent study (ECON 3991) may count toward the major. Supporting work in computer science, mathematics, and statistics is recommended. Only one country/area study course (ECON 4311, 4317) or DUS-approved study-abroad course may count toward the electives requirement. All study-abroad or transfer courses must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Economics. Students must complete at least 12 credits of upper-division coursework (ECON 3xxx-5xxx) in residence at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus. Students must take at least one writing intensive course in the major, or take ECON 4100W concurrently with ECON 4831, or an honors course. Students may receive no more than one undergraduate degree from the Department of Economics: a BA or a BS or a minor. All incoming CLA freshmen must complete the First Year Experience course sequence.
Major Requirements
Take 4 of the following courses for a total of 15-16 credits.
ECON 3101 - Intermediate Microeconomics (4.0 cr)
ECON 3102 - Intermediate Macroeconomics (4.0 cr)
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or STAT 3021 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3.0 cr)
STAT 3022 - Data Analysis (4.0 cr)
or STAT 3032 - Regression and Correlated Data (4.0 cr)
Electives
Students may substitute ACCT 5100 for one of the six required elective courses, with the prior approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
Take 6 or more course(s) totaling 18 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ECON 4113 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
· ECON 4211 - Principles of Econometrics (4.0 cr)
· ECON 4311 - Economy of Latin America (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4331W - Economic Development [WI] (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4337 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4432W - International Finance [WI] (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4531 - Labor Economics (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4621 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4631 - Industrial Organization and Antitrust Policy (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4731 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4821 - Public Economics (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4831 - Cost-Benefit Analysis (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4431W - International Trade [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ECON 4431V {Inactive} [GP, WI] (4.0 cr)
· ECON 4721 - Money and Banking (3.0 cr)
or ECON 4721H {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4751 - Financial Economics (3.0 cr)
or ECON 4751H {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
· ECON 4960 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or ECON 4960H {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
· PUBH 6832 is a Masters' level course. Economics majors with a 3.6 or higher GPA should contact Dr. Simran Sahi about the possibility of signing up for this course.
· ECON 5890 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or PUBH 6832 - Economics of the Health Care System (3.0 cr)
Senior Project
This requirement may be waived if a senior project has been completed in another CLA department. ECON 3991 must be taken for 3 credits in order to count as the Senior Project.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) totaling 0 - 6 credit(s) from the following:
· ECON 3951 - Economics Capstone (2.0 cr)
· ECON 3991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· ECON 4993 - Directed Study (1.0-4.0 cr)
· A term paper from an upper-division writing intensive course with a minimum grade of A-.
· Honors project or thesis (up to 6 credits)
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· ECON 4100W {Inactive} [WI] (1.0 cr)
· ECON 4331W - Economic Development [WI] (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4431W - International Trade [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ECON 4432W - International Finance [WI] (3.0 cr)
 
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ECON 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics (SOCS, GP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 1101/1165 ApEc 1101/1101H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Microeconomic behavior of consumers, firms, and markets in domestic and world economy. Demand and supply. Competition and monopoly. Distribution of income. Economic interdependencies in the global economy. Effects of global linkages on individual decisions. prereq: knowledge of plane geometry and advanced algebra
ECON 1102 - Principles of Macroeconomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 1102/Econ 1102/1105/1112
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Aggregate consumption, saving, investment, and national income. Role of money, banking, and business cycles in domestic and world economy. International trade, growth, and development. U.S. economy and its role in the world economy. International interdependencies among nations. prereq: [1101 or equiv], knowledge of plane geometry and advanced algebra
MATH 1271 - Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1281/Math 1371/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Differential calculus of functions of a single variable, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and trig functions. Applications, including optimization and related rates problems. Single variable integral calculus, using anti-derivatives and simple substitution. Applications may include area, volume, work problems. prereq: 4 yrs high school math including trig or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1151 or 1155]
MATH 1571H - Honors Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1281/Math 1371/
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Differential/integral calculus of functions of a single variable. Emphasizes hard problem-solving rather than theory. prereq: Honors student and permission of University Honors Program
MATH 1371 - CSE Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1281/Math 1371/
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Differentiation of single-variable functions, basics of integration of single-variable functions. Applications: max-min, related rates, area, curve-sketching. Use of calculator, cooperative learning. prereq: CSE or pre-bioprod concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in biosys engn (PRE), background in [precalculus, geometry, visualization of functions/graphs], instr consent; familiarity with graphing calculators recommended
ECON 3101 - Intermediate Microeconomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 3101/Econ 3012/ApEc 3001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Behavior of households, firms, and industries under competitive/monopolistic conditions. Factors influencing production, price, and other decisions. Applications of theory. Economic efficiency. Distribution of well-being. Students cannot take this course if they have taken ApEc 3001, as ApEc 3001 does not contain all material in Econ 3101. prereq: ECON 1101, 1102, and MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department.
ECON 3102 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 3102/3024/ApEc 3006
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Determinants of national income, employment, and price level; effects of monetary and fiscal policies; emphasis on a general equilibrium approach. Applications of the theory, especially to current modern macroeconomic policy issues. ApEc 3006 cannot be substituted for ECON 3102. prereqs: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC1102), ECON 3101, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department.
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
STAT 3021 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: STAT 3021/STAT 3021H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This is an introductory course in statistics whose primary objectives are to teach students the theory of elementary probability theory and an introduction to the elements of statistical inference, including testing, estimation, and confidence statements. prereq: Math 1272
STAT 3022 - Data Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Practical survey of applied statistical inference/computing covering widely used statistical tools. Multiple regression, variance analysis, experiment design, nonparametric methods, model checking/selection, variable transformation, categorical data analysis, logistic regression. prereq: 3011 or 3021 or SOC 3811
STAT 3032 - Regression and Correlated Data
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This is a second course in statistics with a focus on linear regression and correlated data. The intent of this course is to prepare statistics, economics and actuarial science students for statistical modeling needed in their discipline. The course covers the basic concepts of linear algebra and computing in R, simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, statistical inference, model diagnostics, transformations, model selection, model validation, and basics of time series and mixed models. Numerous datasets will be analyzed and interpreted using the open-source statistical software R. prereq: STAT 3011 or STAT 3021
ECON 4211 - Principles of Econometrics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Data analysis/quantitative methods in economics. Violation of classical regression model assumptions, modified estimation procedures that retain desirable properties. Multi-equation models. Computer applications/interpretation of empirical results. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, MATH 1271, (STAT 3011 or 3021), (STAT 3022 or 3032) or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 4311 - Economy of Latin America
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Economic evolution in Latin America since 1950. Trade liberalization, poverty, inflation, development strategies in selected Latin American countries. Theory/applications of important issues. prereq: [MATH 1271, ECON 1101, ECON 1102] or equiv
ECON 4331W - Economic Development (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Economic growth in low income countries. Theory of aggregate and per capita income growth. Population growth, productivity increases, and capital formation. Allocation of resources between consumption and investment and among sectors. International assistance/trade. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department, and completion of freshman writing practice.
ECON 4432W - International Finance (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Balance of payments; international financial markets; exchange rate determination; international monetary system; international investment and capital flows; financial management of the multinational firm; open economy macroeconomic policy. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department and first-writing course.
ECON 4531 - Labor Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 4531/Econ 4538
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Economic analysis of labor markets and their operations; population and labor force; labor market institutions; wage and employment theories; unions and collective bargaining; public policy. prereqs: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 4631 - Industrial Organization and Antitrust Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 3601/Econ 4631/Econ 4631H
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Relations between market structure, economic efficiency and welfare. Economic origins of monopoly and other restraints on competition. Purposes and effects of antitrust and related legislation. Industrial policy. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 4821 - Public Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 3801/Econ 4828/Econ 4821
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Competing views on proper role of government in economy. Effects of tax/spending policies, taking into account private agents' response to government actions/ways government officials may use powers. Optimal policies. Applications primarily to U.S. government. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 4831 - Cost-Benefit Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 4611H/Econ 4831
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Evaluation of benefits and costs of public projects and programs. Issues connected with definition and measurement of benefits and costs. Rate of return and discount. Market imperfections, risk, uncertainty. Case studies. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 4431W - International Trade (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 4431W/Econ 4431V/Econ 443
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Theories of trade/trade patterns. Trade restrictions/commercial policy. International factor movements. Economic growth/development. Regional integration. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271, or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department, and completion of freshman writing practice.
ECON 4721 - Money and Banking
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 3701/Econ 4721/Econ 4721H
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Theories of money demand and money supply. Financial intermediation and banking, banking practices and regulation, role of the Federal Reserve system. Monetary theory and policy. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, and MATH 1271, or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department.
ECON 4751 - Financial Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 4751/Econ 4751H/Econ 4758
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Financial decisions of firms/investors. Determination of interest rates and asset prices. Role of risk/uncertainty. Emphasizes economic models. prereqs: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, MATH 1271, STAT 3011 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department.
PUBH 6832 - Economics of the Health Care System
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examines applications of microeconomic principles to the U.S. health care system. Topics include demand for medical care, insurance theory and selection issues, provider payment, competition in health care markets, the health care workforce, pharmaceutical prices and innovation, health care spending growth, quality of care, externalities, the relationship between income and health, and the economics of the opioid epidemic. Prerequisite: an introductory economics or microeconomic theory course ? or permission of the instructor.
ECON 3951 - Economics Capstone
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students produce a significant written work in economics. Projects demonstrate critical thinking, collection/analysis of data, problem solving, interpretation of findings. Modes of inquiry in economics. prereq: (ECON 1101 or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), (ECON 1102 or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, (STAT 3011 or STAT 3021), (STAT 3022 or STAT 3032), and Econ writing intensive elective or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department
ECON 3991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students confirm topic of study with faculty supervisor or with director of undergraduate studies before beginning (otherwise no credit). prereq: 3101, 3102, dept consent
ECON 4993 - Directed Study
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Guided individual reading or study in areas not available in regular course offerings. prereq: dept consent
ECON 4331W - Economic Development (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Economic growth in low income countries. Theory of aggregate and per capita income growth. Population growth, productivity increases, and capital formation. Allocation of resources between consumption and investment and among sectors. International assistance/trade. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department, and completion of freshman writing practice.
ECON 4431W - International Trade (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 4431W/Econ 4431V/Econ 443
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Theories of trade/trade patterns. Trade restrictions/commercial policy. International factor movements. Economic growth/development. Regional integration. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271, or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department, and completion of freshman writing practice.
ECON 4432W - International Finance (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Balance of payments; international financial markets; exchange rate determination; international monetary system; international investment and capital flows; financial management of the multinational firm; open economy macroeconomic policy. prereq: ECON 1101 (or ECON 1165, APEC 1101), ECON 1102 (or APEC 1102), ECON 3101, ECON 3102, MATH 1271 or equivalent courses approved by the Economics Department and first-writing course.