Economics, B.A.

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The undergraduate program in economics provides practical preparation for a variety of careers as well as for graduate study in economics, business administration, public policy, and law. Economics is a social science and as such is best studied in the context of broader exposure to the liberal arts and sciences.

Economics is a marketable liberal arts degree. Liberal arts majors (social sciences and humanities) develop excellent writing and research skills, and increase a student’s knowledge of the world. These majors also help students build a stronger and more informed sense of identity and values. Economics at USM also provides students critical thinking and analytical (including statistical) skills.

Program Requirements

Track A Liberal Arts (37 credits)

Major Requirements (19 credits)

ECO 101 - Introduction to Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 102 - Introduction to Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 103 - Critical Thinking About Economic Issues Credits: 3 (a 120 or above ECO course may be substituted for ECO 103)
ECO 301 - Intermediate Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 302 - Intermediate Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 304 - Research Methods in Economics Credits: 3
ECO 400 - Capstone in Economics Credits: 1 (1 credit) to be taken in conjunction with an approved ECO 300-level elective

Major Electives (18 credits)

Six Major Elective Courses

You must take at least six major elective courses; a minimum of four must be non-required ECO courses numbered 200 or above.

Two from the Following List

You may select up to two (of the six required courses) from the following list:

CRM 225 - Crimes Against the Environment Credits: 3
GEO 303 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
SOC 358 - Sociology of Women’s Work Credits: 3

Track B Math Intensive (39 credits)

(recommended for graduate study in economics or related fields)

Major Requirements (16 credits)

ECO 101 - Introduction to Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 102 - Introduction to Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 301 - Intermediate Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 302 - Intermediate Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 304 - Research Methods in Economics Credits: 3
ECO 400 - Capstone in Economics Credits: 1 (1 credit) to be taken in conjunction with an approved ECO 300-level elective

Math Requirements (11 credits)

MAT 152 - Calculus A Credits: 4
MAT 153 - Calculus B Credits: 4
MAT 380 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3

Major Electives (12 credits)

Select four courses any (non-required) ECO elective courses numbered 200 or greater.

USM Core Requirements

The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.