Dec 17, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Economics Pathway Guide


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Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

Preparation for Transfer as an Economics Major


The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as an economics major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide  for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

Save all of your course syllabi! 

Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.

Admission as an Economics Major


To enter SMU as an economics major, transfer students must have 30 or more hours of transfer credit and a minimum all-college cumulative GPA of 2.700.  Additionally, students must have a 2.700 GPA on a subset of courses equivalent to SMU’s

Preparing for a Smooth Transition


Transfer students who take time to prepare for their move to SMU are some of our most successful students.  Following are a few important points to remember:

  • Work on the Common Curriculum  prior to transfer is suggested.
  • The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum  may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking a SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English
  • SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
  • A solid math background is important for success in economics.
  • For students considering graduate work in economics, a math minor or the equivalent is recommended.
  • Compare Course Descriptions  found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits. 
  • For additional information on the Economics major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-4337
  • For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

B.A. in Economics


SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I ENGL 1301 3
ECO 1311 - Principles of Microeconomics: Consumers, Firms, and Markets   ECON 2302 3
MATH 1309 - Introduction to Calculus for Business and Social Science       MATH 1425 3
OR  
MATH 1337 - Calculus I   MATH 2413 3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II ENGL 1302 3
ECO 1312 - Principles of Macroeconomics   ECON 2301 3
STAT 2331 - Introduction to Statistical Methods   MATH 1342 3
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 16

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
SPCH 10XX SPCH 1315 3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 4
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
Second major, minor or elective courses 3
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
Second major, minor or elective courses 9
  SCHs 15

B.S. in Economics


SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I ENGL 1301 3
ECO 1311 - Principles of Microeconomics: Consumers, Firms, and Markets   ECON 2302 3
MATH 1337 - Calculus I     MATH 2413 3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II ENGL 1302 3
ECO 1312 - Principles of Macroeconomics: Inflation, Recession, and Unemployment    ECON 2301 3
MATH 1338 - Calculus II    MATH 2414 4
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 17

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
STAT 2331 - Introduction to Statistical Methods   MATH 1342 3
SPCH 10XX SPCH 1315 3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 4
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances and Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
Second major, minor or elective courses 9
  SCHs 15

B.S. in Economics with Finance Applications


SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I ENGL 1301 3
ECO 1311 - Principles of Microeconomics: Consumers, Firms, and Markets   ECON 2302 3
MATH 1337 - Calculus I    MATH 2413 4
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 17
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II ENGL 1302 3
ECO 1312 - Principles of Macroeconomics: Inflation, Recession, and Unemployment   ECON 2301 3
STAT 2331 - Introduction to Statistical Methods    MATH 1342 3
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 16

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
ACCT 2301 - Introduction to Financial Accounting   ACCT 2301 3
SPCH 10XX SPCH 1315 3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 4
Second major, minor, or elective course 3
  SCHs 16
Spring TCCN SCHs
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances and Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
Second major, minor or elective courses 6
  SCHs 15

Note


*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.

The Economic Edge


Economics majors focus on theories and their application to many of the complex business, domestic and foreign economic issues facing the world today.  Areas of study include international economics and trade, monetary policy, econometrics, financial economics, industrial organization, labor economics, public finance, and economic development.

The Economics Department  at SMU is part of Dedman College , home to the humanities, social and behavioral sciences.  The department offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics.  Currently, economics is the most popular undergraduate major at SMU and our faculty is well known for their teaching excellence.  Our tenured and tenure-track faculty members are actively engaged in academic research in a variety of fields and several hold editorial appointments in major academic journals.

The Economics Community


SMU economics majors are engaged outside of the classroom as well.  The Economics Club is an organization for students with an interest in economics. Every semester the club invites speakers and holds information sessions and formal debates on current economic issues. Events have included a visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, dinner discussions on current economic issues, and guest lecturers such as the President of the International Association of Energy Economists, the Chief Economist of Exxon Mobil, and the General Secretary of OPEC.

Economics Practicum


The Department of Economics  encourages students to complete at least one practicum in preparation for the job market.  Pass/fail course credit is available for qualifying students who are undertaking a practicum that involves significant economic research. The requirements for the practicum include the completion of a journal, a 3.0 GPA in economics, and the completion of relevant coursework.  Recent graduates work at Morgan Stanley, EDS, KPMG, Texas Instruments, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and the Mexican Trade Commission.

Majoring in Economics


The Economics Department offers four degree plans from which to choose:

Economics works well in combination with other majors such as Public Policy , Markets & Culture , and International Studies . Careful planning to achieve a double major is recommended.

Minoring in Economics


An Economics Minor  is also available that requires 24 total credit hours. 

SMU Degree


A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

  • Courses in your major
  • Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC)  
  • Elective courses.  These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor.  Common minors for economics majors include business, history, international studies, psychology and Spanish. 

The Common Curriculum (CC)


The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

  1. Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language. 
  2. Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
  3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

Apply Now!


Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

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