May 02, 2024  
Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
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Course Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Economics Major

The major consists of a minimum of 12 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

arrow View the catalog page for the economics department.  

A major in economics provides the first stage for those interested in graduate work in economics, public policy, or business. It also offers a good background for careers in law, business, finance, journalism, government, and international affairs, teaching, industrial relations, and public service.

Summary of Requirements: Economics Major

Summary of Requirements: Economics Major with a Mathematical Economics Concentration

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major

The awarding of transfer credit is at the discretion of the department chair. Students majoring in economics must take at least two of the economics core courses at Oberlin. Students should obtain preliminary approval of transfer credit in economics from the department chair prior to taking economics courses elsewhere if they want them to count toward the major.

Course of Study

Students majoring in economics either complete the standard program, or choose to complete the major with a mathematics concentration.

Course Sequence Suggestions

It is recommended that potential majors take ECON 101  in their first year, although it is possible to complete the major requirements even if ECON 101 is taken as late as the second semester of the sophomore year.

We strongly recommend that potential majors take an applied economics course (courses numbered ECON 201-250), a calculus course, and a statistics course by the end of their sophomore year. We also recommend completing the economics core courses requirement by the end of the sophomore year. The remaining core courses should be completed no later than the end of the junior year.

Prerequisites to Note

  • ECON 101  is a prerequisite for all further study in the department. 
  • The content of Calculus I ​ is a prerequisite for almost all economics courses numbered 250 or higher, including ECON 253 . This may be satisfied through:
  • ECON 253  and STAT 113  are prerequisites for ECON 255 .

Preparation for Post-Graduate Pursuits

Students planning graduate work in economics, public policy, or business are strongly encouraged to take as much work in mathematics as can reasonably fit into their schedules. A one-year sequence in calculus (MATH 133  and MATH 134 ) as well as ECON 255  should be considered minimal preparation for graduate study in business or public policy. Students who plan to enter business directly after graduation also will find these courses desirable. Students considering graduate programs in economics are strongly encouraged to complete the mathematical economics concentration.

Honors in Economics

The department puts special emphasis on the Honors Program in Economics and ordinarily invites up to a quarter of its senior majors to participate. Invitations are extended toward the end of the junior year on the basis of general academic standing and work in the department up to that time. Interested students should consult with a member of the department. Students wishing to qualify for admission to the honors program must take ECON 251 , ECON 253 , and ECON 255  before the senior year.

Detailed Major Requirements

Economics Major Course Lists

Principles of Economics Courses

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Economics Core Courses

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300-Level Economics Courses

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300-Level Advanced Theory and Methods Courses

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400-Level Seminar Courses

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Statistics Courses

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Calculus Courses

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Advanced Mathematics and Statistics Courses

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Economics Major Elective Courses

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