Economics Majors: BA and BS
Ohio State offers two Economics degrees. Both provide a strong foundation in economic theory and data analysis, and both give students the freedom to shape their studies through electives.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
|---|---|
| Economics + broad analytical training | Economics + advanced quantitative/data training |
| Ideal for law, policy, consulting, government, business and more | Ideal for analytics, finance, consulting, graduate study, technology and more |
| Algebra-based intermediate theory (ECON 4001.01, 4002.01) | Calculus-based intermediate theory (ECON 4001.02, 4002.02) |
| Elementary Econometrics (ECON 4400) | Two-course econometrics sequence (ECON 5410, 5420) |
| Flexible and easy to combine with a second major or minor | U.S. government-designated STEM degree |
Major Requirements
A = Bachelor of Arts course; S = Bachelor of Science course
Prerequisites
- ECON 2001.01 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
- MATH 1130 (A) or MATH 1148 (A) or higher (3–4 credits), or MATH 1151 (S) or higher (3–4 credits)
- STAT 1450 (A) or ECON 3400 (A) or higher-level statistics (3–4 credits), or STAT 2450 (S) or higher-level statistics (3 credits)
Major Core Requirements
- ECON 2002.01 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
- ECON 4001.01 (A) / 4001.02 (S) Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
- ECON 4002.01 (A) / 4002.02 (S) Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3 credits)
- ECON 4400 (A) Elementary Econometrics (3 credits)
- ECON 5410 (S) Econometrics 1 (3 credits)
- ECON 5420 (S) Econometrics 2 (3 credits)
The .01 versions of Intermediate Micro- and Macroeconomics are algebra-based courses for Bachelor of Arts students; the .02 versions are calculus-based courses for Bachelor of Science students.
Major Elective Requirements
- ECON 3000-level or above electives (not 3400 or 4400): 9 credits, 3 courses
- ECON 5000-level electives (except 5410 and 5420): 6 credits, 2 courses
Major Writing/Thought Requirement (one course)
- ECON 2367.02 Current Economic Issues in the United States (3 credits), or
- ECON 5130 Economic History of Western Europe (4 credits), or
- ECON 5140 Economic History of the United States (4 credits)
Many jobs that economics majors take require writing skills on economic subjects. Because many of the department's courses are oriented toward problem solving, this requirement gives majors additional experience writing about economic topics.
General Education Requirements
See the College of Arts and Sciences General Education requirements.
Resources