Economics Major

Objectives

Economics is the study of how a society chooses to allocate its finite resources among the infinite demands of its members. This includes analysis of the decisions made by households and firms about production and consumption of finished goods, inputs to production, and labor services, in addition to analysis of the impact of public policies on these decisions and on the economic well-being of society and its members.

Specific subject areas studied in economics include aggregate analysis of business cycles and economic growth (macroeconomics), analysis of labor markets, public finance and taxation, industrial organization, international trade, the economics of money and banking, and studies in specialized fields.

The academic programs of the Department of Economics seek to develop students' capacity to think systematically and analytically about social issues. These analytical abilities give our graduates a strong fundamental background for success in professional life. The department's graduate programs prepare students for careers as economists in business, government, and the academic community. The undergraduate program has been designed to allow students maximum flexibility to orient their curriculum either toward preparation for graduate study in law, business, or economics, or toward professional courses and career placement.

In addition to the academic experience, the department offers undergraduate students an opportunity for practical experience through our internship program (ECON 4390). The internship program allows students to earn advanced economics credit while obtaining practical experience in a professional environment.

Admission Requirements

To declare a major in Economics, the following must be met.

  • First time in college students may declare Economics as their major if they meet the qualifications required for admission to the University of Houston.
  • UH students who wish to change their majors to Economics must have a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA on all coursework taken at UH.
  • Students who transfer from other colleges of universities must have a cumulative 2.25 GPA in previous coursework.
  • In addition, all students beyond their freshman year must enroll in, and remain enrolled in, one of the following courses: ECON 2304: Principles of Microeconomics, ECON 2305: Principles of Macroeconomics, ECON 3332: Intermediate Microeconomics or ECON 3334: Intermediate Macroeconomics, unless all of these courses have been satisfactorily completed.

 

Students who choose to major in economics must also meet the university core requirements and the college core requirements for a Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

Requirements Hours
30 hours (at least 21 advanced) to include:
ECON 2370 (or equivalent) 3
ECON 3332 and 3334 6
ECON electives (advanced) 15
ECON electives (any level) 6

In addition, Bachelor of Science candidates must take either MATH 1314 or MATH 1431 and ECON 4365 (this course counts as part of the required 15 advanced semester hours). Students considering graduate study in econcomics are strongly urged to take MATH 1431 rather than MATH 1314, and to take additional electives in mathematics.

Students must complete at least 15 of the required 30 semester hours in economics in residence at the University of Houston. Twelve of these 15 hours must be advanced. Transferred credit to be counted toward the economics major requirements must have a grade of C- or better.

All economics majors must satisfactorily complete either a second bachelor's degree, a second major, an approved minor, a senior honors thesis, or Interdisciplinary Studies option #1.  Interdisciplinary Studies option #2 may not be used to fulfill graduation requirements.

To receive a free brochure, or for information about the value of an economics degree as preparation for careers or graduate study, or for additional information about Department of Economics programs, write, call, or visit our Web site:

Department of Economics
Attn: Undergraduate Advisor
University of Houston
204 McElhinney Hall
Houston, Texas 77204-5019

713-743-3804

www.class.uh.edu/econ

Catalog Publish Date: August 22, 2012
This Page Last Updated: July 10, 2012