Economics (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics is designed for students with a strong interest in the liberal arts. It is appropriate for those who prefer a less quantitative degree program than the Bachelor of Science in Economics and may be especially appropriate for students planning to attend law school or graduate programs in business or public administration. 

Economics is about more than money and profits. It is a way of looking at the world through the lens of incentives, choices, and markets to help uncover new solutions to the persistent problems in our society. This economic perspective sheds light on important issues in the areas of production, education, crime, the environment, international trade, immigration, health care, economic growth, poverty, and more.

Policies

• Students pursuing this degree must complete a minimum of 48 credits of required coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students in the concentration in philosophy, politics, and economics complete a minimum of 70 credits. Students must also complete ECON 103 Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) and ECON 104 Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) with at least a 2.00 (C) in each.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics Sample Plan of Study 

• The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

Honors in the Major

• Students pursuing departmental honors must complete 6 hours of ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) culminating with an original work of research and an oral presentation. Requirements for departmental honors are in addition to the coursework required for the major. Students must complete ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) with a grade of B or higher to receive departmental honors.
• Economics majors who have completed 90 credits with an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.50 within the major are eligible to apply. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance.
• Applications will be available starting May 1st of each year. Applications are due by August 1st.
• To be accepted into the program and enroll in ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) students must submit a research proposal. Research proposals can be developed independently or by completing ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics with a grade of B or higher. Completion of ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics is not required for departmental honors.

Program Outcomes

• Understand the key concepts and theoretical models of microeconomics.
• Understand the key concepts and the different schools of thought in macroeconomics.
• Apply insights from field-specific knowledge in economics to analyze economic problems
• Interpret bivariate relationships as presented in empirical research.
• Demonstrate effective writing in the discipline.