Economics Major

Chair: Erasmus Kersting, Ph.D.
Associate Chair: Mary Kelly, Ph.D.
Office Location: 2014 Bartley Hall
Telephone: 610-519-4370
Website

About

Economics addresses how individuals and firms make decisions in a world of scarcity and uncertainty while also presenting opportunities to learn how to analyze the performance and interaction of national economies. The curriculum is designed to promote the development of quantitative skills as well as written and verbal communication abilities, so students are equipped to critically examine the effects of economic factors on market participants in the private and public sectors. Because of the growing complexity of the global economy, there is an increase in the demand for individuals who can provide and communicate quantitative analysis of economic variables and their effects on forecasting sales, managing costs, allocating budgets, and choosing investment options. Economics graduates find employment in private industry, consulting, think tanks and policy institutes, the public sector, and academia. Economics is also a perfect preparation for Law School.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Students are required to earn an average grade of B or higher between ECO 1001 & 1002 to declare the economics major.  Students not meeting these requirements should discuss their options with the Chair/Associate Chair of the Economics Department.

Required Major Courses (36 credits)

Program Notes:

  • Students have the ability to earn a specialization certificate. Please contact your advisor or the chairperson for more information.
Course
Title
Credits
Economics Capstone Course  +
3
ECO Electives for B.A.  +
12
Sub-Total Credits
36-38

Core Curriculum Requirements (38 credits)

Economics Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Social Sciences (6 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
38

Free Elective Requirement (48 credits)

Students with a Economics primary major have forty-eight (48) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 36 credits
  • Core Credits: 38 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 48 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Economics as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
33

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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