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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Economics, BS


Banner Code: LA-BS-ECON
Web: economics.gmu.edu

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
Department: Economics  

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 Mason Core  requirement in global understanding. Check with the departmental advising office for more information. Economics majors can fulfill the Mason Core  synthesis requirement with ECON 309 .

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s program.  See Economics, BA or BS/Economics, Accelerated MA  for specific requirements.

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

Degree Requirements


Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees , including Mason Core  requirements. Students pursuing the BS in economics must complete the course work below, earning a minimum GPA of 2.00 overall in their ECON coursework.

BS without a Concentration


Two courses in statistics (6 credits)


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.

If ECON 340 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics  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)


Students 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 Mason Core  requirements.

Seven required courses in economics (21 credits)


Two courses in statistics (6 credits)


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


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: 65 credits


▲ Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)


This is a high credit concentration for students interested in a program that explores the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, political science, and economics.

Six required courses (18 credits) in economics


Two courses in statistics (6 credits)


Six elective courses (18 credits)


Electives are chosen from courses in economics at the 300 and 400 level.

  may not be used to fulfill this requirement. If   is chosen as an elective, students need not take the 4-credit course  ; 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.

One capstone experience course (3 credits)


Total: 80 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 .

Mason Core (40 credits)


Note: some Mason Core  requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.  Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core  requirements.

Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category.

Electives


Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits