As an economics major, you will receive an extensive education in the domestic and international economy. You will also study economic institutions, concepts and policy, as well as the tools of economic analysis. An economics major prepares students for careers in business, such as in banking, financial markets, insurance, law, management, and consulting; in national, state, and local governments; and in teaching, and for graduate study in economics and related fields, including business administration, finance, public policy, and law.
The economics program requires a strong core of economic theory, supplemented by mathematics, data analysis or statistics and computer science. Students choose area electives from across the university and are encouraged to develop programs of study that are tailored to their individual needs and interests.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics emphasizes the use of quantitative techniques in the analysis of economic theories.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics emphasizes the use of advanced math and science in the analysis of economic theories. The program offers students more emphasis on mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as preparation for those who wish to pursue graduate training in economics.
The Minor in Economics, which is administered by the Department of Economics, provides a basic foundation for the breadth of study within the field of economics and a grounding in general economic theory.
The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Economics.
Students may add a Bachelor of Arts in Economics as an additional major by completing all of the requirements. The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics emphasizes the use of quantitative techniques in the analysis of economic theories.
EC 201/202 Minimum Grade Requirements
All EC majors must achieve at least a 2.0 in both EC 201 and EC 202, with a maximum of one total repeat (not one repeat per course).
400-level Enrollment Policy
Due to the high demand for seats in 400-level EC courses and to help ensure that students can enroll for these required courses when needed, the Department of Economics does not permit students to enroll in more than five 400-level EC courses over the course of their undergraduate program. Students who are enrolled such that they will exceed five 400-level EC courses will be contacted through the confidential student message system to adjust their enrollment. Students who fail to comply by the stated deadline will be dropped from the number of EC courses that exceed the maximum allowable. Courses will be dropped in order of student demand, as determined by course waitlists.
To request an exception to the 400-level Enrollment Policy, email advising@econ.msu.edu.
Forms, Facts, and FAQs
View the check sheets, forms, class lists, and the FAQs for Economics majors.
Your Next Step
Contact an Advisor