I am a freshman and think I might be interested in majoring/minoring in economics. What should I do?
I’m interested in a business career. Should I major in economics to prepare for it?
I took Econ 105. Can I take another introductory economics course elsewhere for credit now?
What kind of math skills do I need to major in economics?
I’ve declared an economics major and completed a major work plan. Do I need to see my advisor?
Can I take courses at Swarthmore?
I am a freshman and think I might be interested in majoring/minoring in economics. What should I do?
Take Econ 105 in your first year. Use that experience to gauge whether you enjoy the subject. Carefully read through the information contained on this website, particularly “Getting Started” and “Majoring/Minoring.” Plan to attend the major tea. If you have questions, stop by during office hours (posted on our doors) to talk with Professor Ceglowski, Professor Rock, or Professor Ross.
I’m interested in a business career. Should I major in economics to prepare for it?
Economics is a social science that studies the allocation of scarce resources as a way to understand many types of human interaction. Training in economics is not the same thing as training in business. Professional training in business involves learning specialized techniques and skills in order to pursue the specific goals of businesses. Our economics courses do not focus on these specialized business skills and techniques. Students who major in economics because they believe that it is the subject “closest to business” may be unhappy in their economics courses. We advise students to acquire broad exposure to the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and to major in the subject that most engages them.
I took Econ 105. Can I take another introductory economics course elsewhere for credit now?
No. Once a student has taken Econ 105 she cannot take another introductory course at another university or college for econ major/minor credit (e.g. Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics).
What kind of math skills do I need to major in economics?
Economics is the most quantitative social science and a solid knowledge of math is essential for understanding economic theory. At least one semester of calculus (Math 101) is a prerequisite for Econ B200, B202, and B304. Two semesters of calculus (Math 101-102) are a prerequisite for Econ H300.
Graduate training in economics requires more mathematical sophistication than undergraduate economics. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics will need to study more advanced mathematics. Math courses that are particularly appropriate for Ph.D. study in economics include Math 101 and 102, Calculus with Analytical Geometry; Math 201, Multivariable Calculus, Math 203, Linear Algebra; Math 205, Theory of Probability and Applications; Math 210, Differential Equations with Applications; and Math 301 and 302, Introduction to Real Analysis.
I’ve declared an economics major and completed a major work plan. Do I need to see my advisor?
Absolutely! Students are ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements for the major. However all econ majors are expected to confer with their major advisor each semester about their plans for the coming semester and completing the major.
Major advisors:
Class of 2012 Michael Rock
Class of 2013 David Ross
Class of 2014 David Ross
Can I take courses at Swarthmore?
In most cases, yes. An important exception is Swarthmore’s intermediate microeconomics course (Econ SW011). This course does not substitute for Econ B200 or H300 because it is not calculus-based. When in doubt, ask your major advisor!