Navigating the Major

The Economics Major is short and flexible. With a little forethought, you can ensure that you can finish coursework quickly and take your most preferred electives. The major consists of:

Foundational Courses (3 courses)

Core Courses (6 courses)

Elective Courses (4 courses)

Suggested Sequence

Econ 110 (3 credits) — Requires a C- or better. Required for all core courses.
Math 112 or 113 (4 credits) — Required for all core courses.
- If it has been a while since receiving AP credit, we suggest refreshing your skills with practice on Kahn Academy’s Calculus course.
- The BYU Math Department offers preparation and review materials for MATH 112 and 113
Econ 210 (1 credit) — The Career Prep Seminar should be completed in your first semester as an Econ major. It is required for enrollment in Econ 382 (a core course).
- This requirement can also be satisfied by STDEV 317 or 318.

There are two required course sequences in the major: Theory and Data Analysis. A typical path through the major includes taking one course from each sequence—Theory and Data Analysis—during each of the first three semesters in the major.
All Core courses require a C- or better.
- Theory:
  - Econ 380 - Intermediate Micro Theory 1
  - Econ 381 - Intermediate Macro Theory (recommends 380)
  - Econ 382 - Intermediate Micro Theory 2 (requires 380)
- Data Analysis:
  - Econ 378 - Statistics for Economists
  - Econ 388 - Econometrics (requires 378)
  - Econ 398 - Applied Econometrics (requires 388)
Almost all electives require 378 and 380. Many require 381, 382, or 388 (see Elective Courses tab).

Students are free to choose any 400 or 500 level course for their electives
Some electives are well suited towards particular career preparation. See Econ Tracks for guidance.
Specific prerequisites are listed in the following visual:

The following sequences will help you in creating your graduation plan after you have completed ECON 110. Most economics students find it most helpful to complete the program in four or five semesters. For a list of courses offered, please refer to this page.

HINTS & TIPS

1. Most students prefer the 5 semester sequence, as taking three core courses in one semester is very challenging. To be successful and establish a firm foundation, you will want to allocate more time to these courses than you do to other courses.

2. ECON 378, 380, and 388 are prerequisites for other core and field courses, so taking these early opens more opportunities later. To a lesser extent, the same is true of ECON 381 and 382.

3. ECON 378, 388, 398, 484, and 588 build data skills, so taking these courses early opens more opportunities for employment and research. Training in computer programming is also useful in this regard.

4. Working as a teaching assistant in ECON 110 requires ECON 380 and 381 (at least concurrently), so taking these courses early opens teaching opportunities.