2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Economics, BS


Banner Code: LA-BS-ECON

Web: economics.gmu.edu

The BS in economics is designed for students who desire a more technical program than the BA, one with a stronger emphasis on economic and quantitative analysis. It is especially appropriate for students who anticipate a career as an economic analyst in government, consulting, trade associations, or other private sector positions that emphasize economic research and analysis. The requirements are also appropriate for students planning postgraduate education in economics or more quantitative business administration programs.

Some economics courses may fulfill the university-wide general education requirement in global understanding. Check with the departmental advising office for more information. Economics majors can fulfill the university-wide general education synthesis requirement with ECON 309.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Economics .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.
 

Degree Requirements


Students pursuing a BS in economics must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Students pursuing the BS in economics must complete the course work below, earning a minimum GPA of 2.00 overall in their ECON coursework. Students must complete ECON 103 and 104 with at least a 2.00 (C) in each.

BS without a Concentration


Eight elective courses (24 credits)


Electives are chosen from courses in economics at the 300 and 400 level. ECON 385 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

  - Introduction to Mathematical Economics (3 credits) is chosen as an elective, students need not take the 4-credit course MATH 114; however, MATH 114 is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in economics since it is required for admission to most graduate programs. An additional calculus course beyond MATH 114 is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.

Total: 59 credits


▲ Concentration in Managerial Economics (MECN)


Student who wish to focus their BS in economics for application in the business world may choose to pursue a concentration in managerial economics. They complete 62 credits, 10 of which may be used also to fulfill general education requirements.

Seven required courses in economics (21 credits):


ECON 103 fulfills the general education requirement in social and behavioral science.

Four required courses in math, accounting, and information technology (14 credits):


IT 103 fulfills the general education requirement in information technology. MATH 113 fulfills the general education requirement in quantitative reasoning.

One required course in business writing (3 credits):


Three elective courses in economics (9 credits) chosen from:


 ECON 496 requires departmental permission.

Two elective courses (6 credits) in economics chosen from courses at the 300 and 400 level.


ECON 385 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Total: 62 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in economics fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ECON 345, 355, 365, 435, or 470.