BS in Economics
Top-ranked Economics Program Worldwide
Catalog Year: 2023-2024
Banner Code: LA-BS-ECON-KOR
Economics is about more than money and profits. It is a way of looking at the world through the lens of incentives, choices, and markets to help uncover new solutions to the persistent problems in our society. This economic perspective sheds light on important issues in the areas of production, education, crime, the environment, international trade, immigration, health care, economic growth, poverty, and more. The Bachelor of Science in Economics provides a stronger emphasis on quantitative analysis. Students prepare for a career as an analyst in government, consulting, trade associations, or other private sector positions, and for graduate school in economics or more quantitative business administration programs.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Honors in the Major
Students pursuing departmental honors must complete 6 hours of ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) culminating with an original work of research and an oral presentation. Requirements for departmental honors are in addition to the coursework required for the major. Students must complete ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) with a grade of B or higher to receive departmental honors.
Economics majors who have completed 90 credits with an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.50 within the major are eligible to apply. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance.
Applications will be available starting May 1st of each year. Applications are due by August 1st.
To be accepted into the program and enroll in ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) students must submit a research proposal. Research proposals can be developed independently or by completing ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics with a grade of B or higher. Completion of ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics is not required for departmental honors.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Some economics courses may fulfill the Mason Core requirement in global understanding. Check with the departmental advising office for more information.
Core Courses without Concentration
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) (with a grade of C or above) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) (with a grade of C or above) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
STAT 250& STAT 350 |
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II |
|
STAT 344& STAT 354 |
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II |
|
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Additional Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 203 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| or STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives without Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Select 18 credits of electives from courses in economics at the 300 or 400 level 1 | 18 | |
| Select 6 credits of electives from courses in economics at the 400 level or higher. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
-
ECON 385 International Economic Policy 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 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II; however, MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 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 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.
Optional Concentrations
Students interested in a degree in economics with a concentration will complete the coursework for one of the concentrations below.
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Managerial Economics (MECN)
- Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
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.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 308 | Managerial Economics and Strategy | 3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 310 | Money and Banking | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
STAT 250& STAT 350 |
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II |
|
STAT 344& STAT 354 |
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II |
|
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Required Courses in Math, Accounting, and Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 203 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
- 1
ECON 340 Introduction to Mathematical Economics may not be substituted for MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II for the concentration
Two Required Courses in Business Writing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 103 | Develop Professional Skills I: Foundational Elements | 3 |
| BUS 303 | Develop Professional Skills II: Advanced Elements | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives in Economics1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Economics of Labor | ||
| Economics of Industrial Organization | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Game Theory and Economics of Institutions | ||
| Law and Economics | ||
| International Money and Finance | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Airline Economics | ||
| Special Topics in Economics | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Additional Electives in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of electives in economics from courses at the 300 and 400 level or higher. 2 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
At least 6 credits of electives in economics must be at the 400 level.
- 2
ECON 385 International Economic Policy may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Elective not in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one elective from the following: | 3 | |
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Financial Management | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Principles of Marketing | ||
| Introduction to Business Information Systems (Mason Core) | ||
| Operations Management | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
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.
Required Courses in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
STAT 250& STAT 350 |
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II |
|
STAT 344& STAT 354 |
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II |
|
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Required Courses in Math and Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits of electives in economics at the 300 and 400 level or higher. 1 | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
ECON 385 International Economic Policy may no 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 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II; however, MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in economics since it is required for admission to most graduate programs. An additional calculus beyond MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.
Philosophy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
PHIL/GOVT 324 |
Modern Western Political Theory | |
or PHIL/GOVT 327 |
Contemporary Western Political Theory | |
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Culminating | ||
| PHIL 353 | Theories of Justice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Political Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
GOVT 101 |
Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core) | |
GOVT 301 |
Public Law and the Judicial Process | |
GOVT 307 |
Legislative Behavior | |
GOVT 308 |
The American Presidency | |
GOVT 312 |
Political Parties and Campaigns | |
GOVT 318 |
Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process | |
GOVT/PHIL 323 |
Classical Western Political Theory | |
GOVT 422 |
Constitutional Interpretation | |
GOVT 331 |
Government and Politics of Latin America | |
GOVT 332 |
Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | |
GOVT 333 |
Government and Politics of Asia | |
GOVT 334 |
Government and Politics of Europe | |
GOVT 338 |
Government and Politics of Russia | |
GOVT 345 |
Islam and Politics | |
GOVT 361 |
Introduction to Environmental Policy | |
GOVT 364 |
Public Policy Making | |
GOVT 366 |
Public Policy Analysis | |
GOVT 367 |
Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | |
GOVT 422 |
Constitutional Interpretation | |
GOVT 423 |
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties | |
GOVT 443 |
Law and Ethics of War | |
| Culminating | ||
| GOVT 467 | How Washington Really Works | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Culminating Course in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 460 | Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| The Political Economy of Nonprofit Institutions | ||
| Topics in Economic History | ||
| Effective Writing in Economics | ||
| Economics of Energy | ||
| Economics of Regulation | ||
| Smithian Political Economy I | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Upper Level Requirements
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
Mason Core
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.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communications (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
| Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
| Synthesis/Capstone 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 2
Minimum 3 credits required.
