Requirements for Completing the Major
The department offers two major options:
Option A: Economics provides a well-rounded major in economics that is valuable for employment following graduation, or subsequent graduate work in business, law, public policy, and related disciplines.
Option B: Economics—Mathematical Emphasis provides students with the mathematical and statistical background needed for in-depth study of the analytical aspects of economics. Its requirements are designed to prepare students for graduate study in economics and related fields, or for careers as professional economists in business or government.
All students must fulfill the L&S requirement of 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. All economics courses designated as "intermediate" or "advanced" count toward this requirement.
Advanced Electives Residency Requirement
At least two advanced electives must be completed in residence on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
The department has put together academic/career path guides to assist students with course selection as it relates to their future career goals. We encourage all students to take a look at the suggested courses to best prepare you for the future
Option A: Economics
Principles courses: Econ 101 and 102 or 111
Intermediate theory: Econ 301 or 311 and 302 or 312
Mathematics: one semester of calculus
Statistics: Econ 310
Advanced electives: two courses minimum
A minimum of 30 credits in economics to include the above required courses and additional courses in advanced electives and applied fields.
1. Two Principles Courses
Econ 101 Principles of Microeconomics and Econ 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Econ 111 Principles of Economics—Accelerated TreatmentOr
Before attempting these introductory courses, the student must have completed the Quantitative Reasoning A requirement, and a course in calculus is recommended.
2. Mathematics
One semester of calculus (Math 221 recommended)
3. Intermediate Economic Theory
Econ 301 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory or Econ 311 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory—Advanced Treatment
and
Econ 302 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory or Econ 312 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory—Advanced Treatment
Note: Econ 301 and 302 are offered every semester. Econ 311 and 312 are annually offered as a sequence.
4. Statistics
Econ 310 Statistics: Measurement in Economics (contact department for approved substitutes; math-oriented students and those interested in graduate work are encouraged to take Math/Sstat 309 and 310)
5. Advanced Electives and Applied Fields—Option A
At least two courses must be Advanced electives chosen from the following list:
390*, 410, 411, 412, 432, 441, 448, 450, 451, 458, 464, 467, 468, 475, 503, 508, 521, 522, 525, 548, 580, 623, 665, 666.Remaining credits may be chosen from the Applied Fields courses listed in the Topic areas section.
* Lecture 014 and 015 only
Option B: Economics - Mathematical Emphasis
Principles courses: Econ 101 and 102 or 111
Intermediate theory: Econ 301 or 311 and 302 or 312
Mathematics: three semesters of calculus plus one semester of linear algebra
Statistics: Econ 310
Advanced electives: Econometrics (Econ 410) and
Three additional advanced electives (see list below)
A minimum of 30 credits in economics to include the above required courses and additional courses in advanced electives and applied fields.
1. Principles Courses
Econ 101 Principles of Microeconomics and Econ 102 Principles of Macroeconomics, or
Econ 111 Principles of Economics—Accelerated TreatmentBefore attempting these introductory courses, the student must have completed the Quantitative Reasoning A requirement, and a course in calculus is also recommended.
2. Mathematics
Math 221, 222, and 234 Calculus and Math 340 or 320 Linear Algebra, or three semesters of the Honors calculus sequence
3. Intermediate Economic Theory
Two courses in theory:
Econ 301 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory or Econ 311 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory—Advanced Treatment
and
Econ 302 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory or Econ 312 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory—Advanced TreatmentNote: Econ 301 and 302 are offered every semester. Econ 311 and 312 are offered annually as a sequence.
4. Statistics
Econ 310 Statistics: Measurement in Economics (contact department for approved substitutes; math-oriented students and those interested in graduate work are encouraged to take Math/Sstat 309 and 310)
5. Advanced Elective and Applied Fields - Option B
Econ 410 Introductory Econometrics (a required advanced elective)
AND
At least three additional advanced electives must be chosen from the following list:
390*, 411, 412, 432, 441, 448, 450, 451, 458, 464, 467, 468, 475, 503, 508, 521, 522, 525, 548, 580, 623, 665, 666.Remaining credits may be chosen from the Applied Fields courses listed in the Topics section.
*Lecture 014 and 015 only.
The Undergradute Catalog entry can be found here.
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Last updated: September 20, 2012