Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Modified Major in Economics

The modified major in economics is designed for students who have a strong interest in economics but also wish to explore a specific problem or topic that falls partly in the field of economics and partly in a related field. This major allows students to combine their interest in economics with courses from other departments, providing a more interdisciplinary approach to their studies.

Requirements for the Modified Major

The modified major in economics requires a total of 10 courses, which must form a unified, coherent whole. The 10 courses include:

• Six courses in economics, including the senior seminar (ECON 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69)
• Four major-level courses in another department or program

Guidelines for the Modified Major

To ensure that the modified major is a unified, coherent whole, students must prepare a written proposal explaining the rationale for the planned courses. The proposal must:

1. Identify the specific problem or topic that the student wishes to study and justify why its study depends on courses in related fields.
2. Explain how the four courses outside of economics support the learning that the student will do in the six courses in economics, as they pertain to the specific problem or topic.

Examples of Modified Majors

Several examples of modified majors are provided, including:

• Economics Modified with Psychology
• Economics Modified with Computer Science
• Economics Modified with Mathematics
• Economics Modified with Environmental Studies
• Economics Modified with Another Department or Multiple Departments Based on Topic

Economics Modified with Psychology

This modified major combines courses in economics with courses in psychology, focusing on the study of human decision-making and behavioral economics. The required courses include:

• ECON 35, Games and Economic Behavior
• ECON 64, 66, 67, or 68
• PSYC 1 or PSYC 6
• PSYC 23, 27, or 28
• Four upper-level PSYC courses

Economics Modified with Computer Science

This modified major combines courses in economics with courses in computer science, focusing on the use of programming and data analysis techniques in economic research. The required courses include:

• COSC 1 or COSC 10
• COSC 70, MATH 22, or Math 24
• One Systems Software COSC course
• Three Theory or Applied COSC courses

Economics Modified with Mathematics

This modified major combines courses in economics with courses in mathematics, focusing on the use of mathematical models and techniques in economic research. The required courses include:

• COSC 1 and COSC 10
• COSC 70.01, MATH 22, or Math 24
• Four upper-level MATH courses

Economics Modified with Environmental Studies

This modified major combines courses in economics with courses in environmental studies, focusing on the study of environmental issues and policies. The required courses include:

• A narrowly constructed template major that combines ENVS classes with courses from other departments

Economics Modified with Another Department or Multiple Departments Based on Topic

This modified major allows students to combine courses in economics with courses from other departments, based on a specific topic or problem. The required courses include:

• Four courses outside of economics that support the learning that the student will do in the six courses in economics
• A written proposal that explains the rationale for the planned courses and how they form a unified, coherent whole

Inadmissible Courses

Certain courses are not suitable for modifying an economics major, including:

• Coursework in the physical sciences, literature, and art
• Most engineering classes (except for methods classes)
• Human-centered design

Conclusion

The modified major in economics provides students with the opportunity to combine their interest in economics with courses from other departments, providing a more interdisciplinary approach to their studies. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined above, students can create a unified, coherent major that supports their academic and professional goals.