Department of Economics | University of Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I see an advisor in the Department of Economics?

Appointments are reserved for our declared majors. If you have formally declared the major, you set appointments with your advisor online, via MyUW. Click on SERVICES, then go to the WiscCal Make an Appointment feature. Open advising slots are added regularly during advising weeks. If you are not in the department yet, you should first try your assigned advisor, then, if necessary, come to our drop-in advising hours, specified at : www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/About%20Us.html

How do I declare an economics major?

Check out the requirements you need to fulfill at www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/Declaring.html
then, if you meet these, come in to the Undergraduate Office in Room 7238 Social Science Bldg to fill out the forms in person.

What is required to complete an Economics major?

Please study the information on this page: www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/Reqs%20for%20Major.html. If you run a “What If” DARS report with your correct degree plan and an Economics major, you will see exactly what requirements of the major you already have fulfilled and what remains to be done.

What’s the difference between the two options of the economics major?

Most students complete Option A, aka the regular Economics major. Option B requires completion of additional math coursework and requires students take more of our Advanced Elective courses, all of which are calculus-based electives requiring completion of one or both Intermediate Theory courses. Option B is not better; it is intended to serve students aim realistically for the academic requirements and rigors of graduate programs in economics or other math-based fields.

Will I receive a BA or a BS with an Economics major?

You can receive whichever L&S degree best suits your intellectual ability and interests. Your degree plan is set and/or changed independently of declaring your major.If you want to change your degree plan, please run a “What If” DARS report to make sure it’s a good choice, then do it online here: http://uas.ls.wisc.edu/forms/classification_change.html

Can I have an Economics major if I’m not in the College of Letters and Science?

Yes, as long as your College consents. You must meet the declaration requirements of our major, fill out the forms in our office, and after an economics advisor approves your qualifications, you will take the form to your home advisor for addition to your degree plan as an additional major.

If I’m in another College and add an Econ major, do I have to fulfill the L&S requirements in addition to my home College’s?

No. Your degree requirements will be those of your College. In addition, you will have to fulfill the basic requirements of an Econ major, stipulated here: www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/Reqs%20for%20Major.html

What can I do with an Econ major once I leave here?

Economists have some of the strongest and best paying professional prospects of any major, and our graduates work with success in many diverse fields and firms all across the world. Start with this page to learn what economists do and how it fits in with academic coursework: http://econ.wisc.edu/ecdo/career_ops.html . Then,once you’ve declared the major, perhaps it’s time for you to schedule, via email, an appointment with our department’s career advisor!

If I fail a required course in Econ, should I retake it?

Retaking a course within your major is necessary if you fail it, as you don’t receive credit for it. Retaking it will NOT, however, erase the original F; it will give you credit for the course, though. For anything above an F, retaking is not generally the best option, although of course you should always feel free to re-take a course if you want to for your own satisfaction. Please consult with your advisor before re-taking an economics course. There may be better choices.

What is the difference between Advanced Electives and Applied Electives in Economics?

Good question! “Advanced Electives” are not just a matter of an econ elective having a high course number. Econ 390, for example, can be an Advanced Elective while Econ 671 is not! Advanced Electives are all based on completion of one or both Intermediate Theory courses, meaning they rest upon a proficiency with calculus. A very specific list of Advanced Electives is broken out on your DARS and on our website. Don’t assume a course is an Advanced Elective because it gives advanced level credit toward degree requirements; they’re two separate things!