Economics, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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 with critical thinking and analytical (including statistical) skills.

The BS curriculum is recommended for students interested in a liberal arts economics education with greater stress on business and quantitative skills.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Economics, B.S. major: 40.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: None.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: None.

Major Requirements (25 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: 3
ACC 110 - Financial Accounting Information for Decision Making Credits: 3
MAT 120 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 4 or MAT 210 - Business Statistics Credits: 4

Major Electives (15 credits)

Five Major Elective Courses

You must take at least five major elective courses; a minimum of three must be (non-required) ECO electives numbered 200 or greater.

Two from the Following List

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

BUS 335 - International Business Credits: 3
BUS 340 - Managing Organizational Behavior Credits: 3
BUS 347 - Triple-Bottom-Line Business Credits: 3
BUS 361 - International Marketing Credits: 3
BUS 365 - Consumer Behavior Credits: 3
FIN 320 - Basic Financial Management Credits: 3
FIN 326 - Financial Modeling Credits: 3
FIN 330 - International Financial Management Credits: 3

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: ECO 304
Quantitative Reasoning: ECO 101 ; ECO 102 ; ECO 120
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation: ECO 234
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis: ECO 101 ; ECO 102 ; ECO 103
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship:
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning:
Capstone: ECO 400

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

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.