Majors & Minors
Course CatalogEconomics & Management
The study of economics broadens our understanding of economic behavior, domestic and international government policies and social institutions. It sharpens our abilities to think clearly and analytically about these and other matters. It may also help students reach a variety of specific career goals. For example, most majors take entry-level positions in business: they are hired by banks and other financial institutions, accounting and management consulting firms, and companies in manufacturing, public utilities and commerce. Some majors go on to earn graduate degrees in economics; they may then work in areas such as business, government service or academia. (Students considering graduate study in economics should consult with a department faculty member about the large number of mathematics courses that are highly recommended.) A background in economics is also excellent preparation for graduate study in law and business. Many of our graduates have gone on to reach exceptional levels of recognition and responsibility in education, government and industry. Students wishing to apply economics courses taken off-campus toward a major in economics must have prior approval from their economics advisor and the chair of the economics and management department. Students wishing to count economics courses taken off-campus toward the requirements of the Business Administration Minor or the International Business Program must have prior approval from the relevant program advisor and the chair of the economics and management department. It is not recommended that courses substituting for ECON 100, 220, 280, 294, 295, 350 and 480 be taken elsewhere. The Management Fellows Program provides selected students the opportunity to combine an economics major with a semester-long internship. For information about this special program, as it applies to economics majors, see the description in Section V at http://www.depauw.edu/catalog/section5.
Requirements for a major
Economics
| Total courses required |
Ten |
| Core courses |
ECON 100, ECON 294, ECON 295, ECON 350, ECON 480 (or 485) |
| Other required courses |
Also required is at least one course from the following: ECON 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 470, 490. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses |
Three (may include ECON 350, ECON 480 or 485, and the required 400-level elective). |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience |
The senior requirement consists of completing ECON 480 or ECON 485 during the senior year, as well as passing a comprehensive examination. The senior requirement usually includes completion of ECON 480: Seminar. In exceptional cases, students may apply to complete an intensive, independent senior thesis which culminates in both a written thesis and a public presentation of the work. ECON 485: Independent Senior Thesis is a one-credit course that may be offered as 1 credit for one semester, or as 1/2 credit in each of two consecutive semesters. |
| Additional information |
Eight of the 10 required courses must be taken on campus. |
| Recent changes in major |
The option of ECON 485: Independent Senior Thesis for the senior requirement was added effective Fall 2011. |
Requirements for a minor
Economics
| Total courses required |
Five |
| Core courses |
ECON 100, ECON 294, ECON 295 |
| Other required courses |
Also required are two additional courses from the following list: ECON 140, 235, 250, 262, 290A, 310, 315, 320, 342, 350, 360, 375, 390A, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 470, 490A. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses |
One |