The Economics Major

A Major in Economics requires the following courses:
EC 101
EC 102
EC 206 or another acceptable statistics course
EC 216
EC 217
EC 320
EC 396
EC 397

Three 200- level elective courses in economics

ENG 206 (Before the senior year, a student must be granted writing proficiency in ENG 206 to complete the requirement of college writing proficiency in economics.) 

The economics major is intended for students: 
*who seek the analytical skills and specific knowledge of economic processes necessary to the responsible citizen; 
*who desire economic understanding as a background for careers in business, labor, politics, law, finance, administration, or public serivce;
*who hope to contiue specialized studies in economics or business at the graduate level; and
*who are preparing to teach social studies in the secondary schools.  (For certification requirements, see the description under the education department.)

EC 101 is the starting point in the curriculum for both majors and non-majors.  The course acquaints students with the techniques of economic analysis by emphasizing micro aspects (decision making by firms and individuals) in the American economy. 

EC 102 emphasizes the economy as a whole (macro), including the role of government in major financial institutions in determining the level of national product, income and employment.  EC 102 is also open to non-majors or pre-majors.  Ordinarily majors must take EC 206 or the equivalent by the end of the junior year.  Students may not take EC 206 if credit has already been received for MA 105 or 241 or equivalent.  Those planning to major in economics are encouraged to complete EC 216 as soon as possible, since it provides the essential analytical skills used in most applied economics. 

Recommended courses for students planning graduate studies in economics are:
EC 218          MA 117            MA 118              MA 231. 

The department also sponsors both full- and part-time internships in industry, banks, and government agencies.  Most internships are in the Baltimore-Washington area.

Concentration in Prelaw Studies
Students interested in pursuing a legal career are encouraged to complete the prelaw concentration in conjunction with the requirements of the major.  The prelaw concentration an 18- to 21-credit program is designed to broaden the student's academic experience in preparation for law school.  It requires students to take courses outside of their major in order to expose them to methodologies and critical approaches not inherent to their own discipline but necessary for academic success in law school.

A complete description can be found under prelaw studies.