Economics, BA

Introduction

The economics major prepares students to enter a wide range of careers in business, research, or the public sector. It also prepares students for graduate study in economics, business, law, or public administration. The degree develops broadly educated individuals who are flexible, skilled at solving problems, aware of a diversity of viewpoints, and responsive to rapidly changing economic environments.

During the course of majoring in economics, students develop excellent skills in written and verbal communication, quantitative analysis, application of technology, independent research, and critical thinking. The academic requirements of the major allow students to study abroad during one semester or during an entire year. Off-campus internships are available for advanced students who wish to gain relevant work experience in applied economics, while exploring specific career options.

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Core & Other Graduation Requirements

Major Requirements: 32 credits

The major in economics requires completion of 28 credits in economics courses, and 4 credits in statistics.

Students intending to do graduate work in economics should complete the calculus sequence and other selected math courses.

A minimum 2.0 grade point average is required in all major courses.

Take all of the Following: 20 Credits

ECON 103 - Economics of Social Issues 4 credit(s)
OR ECON 181 - Introduction to Business Economics 4 credit(s)

Note: ECON 101 and ECON 102 may substitute for either ECON 103 or ECON 181
MATH 207 - General Elementary Statistics 4 credit(s)
ECON 327 - Economics Consumers Producers Govrnments 4 credit(s)
ECON 328 - Macroeconomics Found Govt/Cntrl Bank Policy 4 credit(s)
ECON 490 - Senior Seminar 2 credit(s)
ECON 495 - Senior Thesis 2 credit(s)

Electives: 12 Credits

Minimum of 8 ECON credits at 300+ level.

One of the following electives must be completed for the WID requirement:
ECON 333W - Advanced Environmental Economics 4 credit(s)
ECON 334W - Advanced Health Economics 4 credit(s)
ECON 341W - International Trade and Development 4 credit(s)
One of the following courses may count toward 8 credits of Economic Electives at 300+ level:
DSCI 407 - Statistical Modeling and Regression 4 credit(s)
MATH 306 - Linear Algebra 4 credit(s)
MATH 311 - Ordinary Differential Equations 4 credit(s)
Note: All 300+ economics courses have either ECON 103 or ECON 181 or ECON 101 and ECON 102 as a pre-req. Four credits of electives other than the courses listed above may be selected from outisde economics with departmental approval. Students may also use approved internship credits as a substitute for up to 4 credits of economic electives. Study abroad courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements. At least 4 elective credits must be from economics courses offered at Pacific. Students should meet with a faculty member in economics before studying abroad in order to identify appropriate economic courses to be applied towards the major.

Program Details

Program Length

Four years for a complete BA degree. Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree. Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

A successful graduate with an economics major will be able to:

read and understand standard textbooks and general publications covering economic topics
write essays, short papers or major research papers in a clear and concise fashion, with emphasis on content, style, and analytical rigor
organize and present ideas and information orally as part of a team and as a sole presenter
use data and statistics to understand and to analyze relevant problems
use contemporary information technology effectively, including the library, Internet and computer software applications
design and carry out independent and collaborative projects

Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirements