Economics, BA
Economics is a social science and, as such, an important component of the liberal arts curriculum. At the core of economics are theories of how individuals, firms, and other organizations make choices and interact, taking into account constraints on their behaviors. Among the topics studied in economics are the determination of prices and quantities in various types of markets (from perfectly competitive commodity markets to highly regulated utility markets and internet auctions); the effects of taxes, subsidies, and regulations; the determination of aggregate economic activity (e.g., GDP, unemployment); inflation, monetary policy, and financial intermediation; economic growth and income distribution; and international trade and international finance (e.g., exchange rates). The Economics Major provides training in economic principles and provides a useful background for students preparing for a career in public policy, business, or finance.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: https://economics.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/majors-and-minors/economics-major
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
2 course units of Math and 10 course units of Economics - 6 course units must be taken in the Economics Department at the University of Pennsylvania | ||
| Introduction to Micro and Macro Economics 2 | ||
| ECON 0100 | Introduction to Micro Economics | 1 |
| ECON 0200 | Introductory Economics: Macro | 1 |
Or Waiver Conversion Complete | ||
| Intro Micro/Macro - For WHARTON Students Only | ||
| Introductory Economics for Business Students | ||
Select an additional 4000-level ECON course 3 | ||
| Intermediate Level Micro and Macro Economics 4 | ||
| ECON 2100 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 1 |
| ECON 2200 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 1 |
| Statistics | 1-2 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Option 1: | ||
| Statistics for Economists | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Probability | ||
| Statistical Inference | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| ECON 2310 | Econometric Methods and Models | 1 |
| ECON Electives | ||
| Select 4 economics courses at the 4000 level-ECON 4000-4999 | 4 | |
| Mathematics Requirement | 2 | |
| Mathematics of change, Part I and Mathematics of change, Part II | ||
| Or | ||
| Calculus, Part I and Calculus, Part II | ||
or MATH 1610 | Honors Calculus | |
| Total Course Units | 32 | |
- *
LPS academic year courses ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics, ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro, ECON 2100 Intermediate Microeconomics, ECON 2200 Intermediate Macroeconomics, or ECON 2300 Statistics for Economists ONLY may be used for the Major.
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics and ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro are prerequisites for all economics courses. ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics is the prerequisite for ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro.
- 3
ECON course required if BEPP 1000 Introductory Economics for Business Students is taken.
- 4
ECON 2100 Intermediate Microeconomics is a prerequisites for all 2000-level economics courses & ECON 2200 Intermediate Macroeconomics for many.
Honors
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Economics.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Requisites | ||
| ECON 0100 | Introduction to Micro Economics | 1 |
| ECON 0200 | Introductory Economics: Macro | 1 |
| ECON 2100 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 1 |
| ECON 2200 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 1 |
| ECON 2300 | Statistics for Economists | 1 |
| ECON 2310 | Econometric Methods and Models | 1 |
| Two 4000 level courses | 2 | |
| Year Long Thesis | ||
| ECON 4900 | Honors Seminar | 1 |
| ECON 4910 | Honors Seminar (II) | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.