Course description
The B.A. in Economics provides a basis for professional work in business and government or for graduate study. In addition, the B.A. in Economics complements many other areas of study, such as political science, history, or mathematics, as part of a double major.
Requirements for the Major
A major in Economics is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
ECO 301, 302, 250, and 350.
Knowledge of ECO 101 and 102 will be required for admission to ECO 301 and 302. This may be accomplished by waiving these courses by Advanced Standing examination, by transfer credit, or by successful completion of ECO 101 and 102.
Required Capstone Course
ECO 470
Required Distribution Courses
Three (3) additional ECO courses at the 300 level or above
Required Collateral Courses
MAT 135 (or waiver) and two (2) courses selected from MAT 214, 225, 311, 312, 330, 437, or 438. (See “Other Considerations and Recommendations,” to follow.)
Exploring the Major
Students considering Economics as a major should begin exploring the discipline through the Department’s introductory courses—ECO 101 and ECO 102, and through various Short Term offerings. Also, because math is a significant component of the Economics major, prospective students are encouraged to explore math courses, as well.
Admission to the Major
No additional or special curricular requirements must be met for admission into this major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)
Prospective Economics majors should: 1) Complete the Developmental Mathematics requirement, if applicable, as soon as possible because this is a prerequisite for both ECO 101 and ECO 102, which are the foundational courses for Economics, and one or both are therefore required for any 300-level ECO course. 2) Continue on with the Mathematics sequence, completing or waiving MAT 115, 125, and 135, the latter of which is a required collateral course. These Mathematics courses serve as prerequisites for core courses required of Economics majors. In addition, they serve as prerequisites for two additional required math collaterals. MAT 115 also serves as one of the prerequisites for ECO 250, one of the core courses in the major, which must be taken prior to ECO 350, also a core course. It is also vital to complete or waive MAT 135 as early as possible because it is a prerequisite for the other three core courses in the Economics major. Senior standing is preferred for ECO 470. Students may enroll in up to two departmental Internship experiences for a maximum of three credits. However, no more than one credit from Internships may be counted toward the major requirements.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major
In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication. For more about these standards, please see the Department’s Web site. Opportunities to do so are provided in a number of courses throughout the curriculum. The Department also requires that a majority of courses taken to satisfy departmental major and minor degree requirements must be taken at Berea College.
Other Considerations and Recommendations
The selection of collateral courses in Mathematics depends to some extent on the intended graduate-school emphasis. For those students interested in an applied program or a program with a policy emphasis, such as urban studies or public administration, MAT 135 should be supplemented by MAT 225 and 312. For graduate programs that are more theoretical, MAT 135 (or waiver), 214, 225, and 311 are a minimum; and MAT 330, 437, and 438 are recommended strongly.
