Program Overview

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; the effects of taxes, subsidies, and regulations; the determination of aggregate economic activity; inflation, monetary policy, and financial intermediation; economic growth and income distribution; and international trade and international finance.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.

Major Requirements

• Foundational Approaches + Sectors + Free Electives: 20 course units
• 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:
    • ECON 0100: Introduction to Micro Economics (1 course unit)
    • ECON 0200: Introductory Economics: Macro (1 course unit)
  • Or Waiver Conversion Complete:
    • Intro Micro/Macro - For WHARTON Students Only:
      • BEPP 1000: Introductory Economics for Business Students
  • Select an additional 4000-level ECON course
• Intermediate Level Micro and Macro Economics:
  • ECON 2100: Intermediate Microeconomics (1 course unit)
  • ECON 2200: Intermediate Macroeconomics (1 course unit)
• Statistics: 1-2 course units
  • Select one of the following:
    • Option 1: ECON 2300: Statistics for Economists
    • Option 2:
      • STAT 4300: Probability
      • STAT 4310: Statistical Inference
• Econometrics:
  • ECON 2310: Econometric Methods and Models (1 course unit)
• ECON Electives: Select 4 economics courses at the 4000 level-ECON (4 course units)
• Mathematics Requirement: 2 course units
  • MATH 1070 & MATH 1080: Mathematics of change, Part I and Mathematics of change, Part II
  • Or:
    • MATH 1400 & MATH 1410: Calculus, Part I and Calculus, Part II
    • or MATH 1610: Honors Calculus
• Total Course Units: 32

Honors

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Economics.

• Pre-Requisites:
  • ECON 0100: Introduction to Micro Economics (1 course unit)
  • ECON 0200: Introductory Economics: Macro (1 course unit)
  • ECON 2100: Intermediate Microeconomics (1 course unit)
  • ECON 2200: Intermediate Macroeconomics (1 course unit)
  • ECON 2300: Statistics for Economists (1 course unit)
  • ECON 2310: Econometric Methods and Models (1 course unit)
  • Two 4000 level courses (2 course units)
• Year Long Thesis:
  • ECON 4900: Honors Seminar (1 course unit)
  • ECON 4910: Honors Seminar (II) (1 course unit)

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.