THE ECONOMICS MAJOR
Mathematical Prerequisites
Before students can begin the program of study in economics, they must complete a prerequisite in mathematics. The prerequisite itself does not count towards the course requirements for the major. The mathematics prerequisite for Econ 101 (Introduction to Microeconomics) and Econ 102 (Introduction to Macroeconomics) is:
Math 115 (College Algebra) or
Math Q114 (Quantitative Reasoning)
In addition, Econ 201 (Microeconomic Theory), Econ 202 (Macroeconomic Theory) and Econ 205 (Statistical Methods) have the mathematical prerequisite of:
Math 129 (Precalculus for Management and Social Science) or
Math 130 (Precalculus), or placement into Math 135 (Survey of Calculus) or
Math 140 (Calculus)
The major in economics consists of 11 courses. These courses are divided into required courses and electives. The five courses required of all economics majors are as follows:
Econ 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
Econ 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
Econ 201 - Microeconomic Theory
Econ 202 - Macroeconomic Theory
Econ 205 - Statistical Methods
Economics majors must complete six elective courses, including:
• At least one Field Elective
• At least two Alternative Approach Electives
• At least one Capstone Elective
Enough additional electives (from any of the categories) to make a total of six.
Note: The Capstone Elective requirement applies only to majors who matriculate in Fall 2002 or later. Also, in addition to the courses designated on the following list as fulfilling the Capstone requirement, any 300 or 400 level course may be used to fulfill the requirement by special arrangement with the instructor.
The category assigned to each of the electives offered by the department is indicated in the following list (for more information about the individual courses click on courses )
Field Electives
Econ G212 – Economics of the Metropolitan Area
Econ 313- Urban Economics
Econ 331- Money and Financial Institutions
Econ 334- International Trade
Econ 335- International Finance
Econ 336- Economic Development
Econ 372- Comparative Economic Systems
Econ 390- Labor Market Economics
Econ 417- Public Finance **
Econ 431- Monetary Theory and Policy
Econ 432- Industrial Organization **
Econ 452- Econometrics **Alternative Approach Electives
Econ 100- Introduction to Economic Issues*
Econ G110 – Economic Ideas*
Econ 308- History of Economic Thought
Econ 310- Introduction to Marxist Analysis
Econ 325- American Economic History
Econ 338- The Latin American Economy
Econ 343- The Political Economy of Black America
Econ 351- Economic Philosophy
Econ 385- Economics of Education
Econ 391-Unions and Collective Bargaining
Econ 392- Women's Economic Roles
Econ 394- Sex-Segregated Labor Markets
Econ 395- The Economics of Social Welfare
Econ 435- The Multinational Corporation **Other Electives
Econ 315- The Political Economy of New England
Econ 318- The Economics of State and Local Government
Econ 345- Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Econ 349- Economic Approaches to Environmental Problems
Econ 350- The Economics of Aging and Retirement
Econ 380- Health Economics
Econ 433- Government Regulation of Private Business
Econ 453- Advanced Macroeconomics
Econ 476- Internship in Economics **
Econ 478- Independent Study, Fall Term
Econ 479- Independent Study, Spring Term
Econ 480- Senior Seminar **
Econ 481- Senior Independent Study **
Econ 489- Senior Honors Project **
Econ 490- Senior Honors Thesis ***Declared Majors may not take this for credit.
** Capstone Course
THE ECONOMICS MINOR
Mathematical Prerequisites
Math 115 (College Algebra) or Math Q114 (Quantitative Reasoning) is a prerequisite for Econ 101 (Introduction to Microeconomics) and for Econ 102 (Introduction to Macroeconomics).
Required Courses
The minor in economics consists of six courses in the department. These six courses must include:
Econ 101- Introduction to Microeconomics, and
Econ 102- Introduction to Macroeconomics
Students may select any four other economics courses. No substitution of non-economics courses will be accepted towards the requirements for the minor, except as described below.
Minor Credit for Non-Economics and Transfer Courses
Economics courses taken at other institutions of higher education may be counted towards the requirements for the economics minor, up to a maximum of two such courses.
One of the following courses at UMass Boston: MSIS111, Math 125 or Psych Z270, may also be counted towards the economics minor (and will be considered a substitute for Econ 205). These non-economics courses will be considered as one of the two allowable transfer courses for the minor.