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Faculty: F. Howland (chair), J. Burnette, C. Byun, J. Hatcher~, P. Mikek, K. Widdows

~Part-time

The Department of Economics is dedicated to providing a rigorous, challenging curriculum that emphasizes economic theory and focuses on how economists view the world. Students master a wide variety of philosophical, technical, logical, computer, and quantitative skills. The Wabash College Economics major is taught to evaluate arguments and policies, analyze empirical data, and present his views, rationales, and results.

Senior Comprehensive Exams: The Written Comprehensive Exam in Economics is spread over two days and designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of both core concepts and the wide variety of applications of economic theory. The first day consists of an objective, standardized test that contains questions from every economics course offered at Wabash. The second day consists of an essay exam on a previously assigned article.

Requirements for the Major: Economics majors must complete at least nine course credits in Economics which must include ECO 291, 292, 251 (1/2 credit), Division III 252* (or its equivalent), ECO 253, and 401. *Please note that DV3 252 does not count toward the nine required economics credits. Also note that ECO 262 does not count toward the major in economics for students entering in the fall of 2007 or after. In addition, the major must include at least two courses with a prerequisite of ECO 291 or ECO 292 (not including ECO401). A course in statistics, either Division III 252 or a full credit  Mathematics Department Statistics course above the 100 level must be taken before enrolling in ECO 253. In addition, MAT110 or 111, or an equivalents is required for the major in economics. MAT 111 is best taken in the freshman year; students placed into MAT 010 should enroll in ECO 101 their freshman year and take MAT 010 the fall semester of their sophomore year, and MAT 110 in the spring semester of their sophomore year.

Recommended Sequence of Courses: The “typical” economics major takes Principles of Economics (ECO 101) in the second semester of his freshman year, the theory/empirical sequence (ECO 251, DV3 252, ECO 253, 291, and 292) during the sophomore year, electives during the junior year, and, finally, Senior Seminar (ECO 401) and electives during the senior year. It is recommended, but not required, that students take ECO 291 before 292.

Although the above sequence is preferred, there can be flexibility in this basic pattern. The wellprepared first-year student might want to begin the study of economics in the first semester of the freshman year, while “late contractors” (students who decide to major in economics during their sophomore or even junior years) may choose a more tightly packed junior/senior year combination of economics courses. The prospective economics major should be careful in planning the theory/empirical sequence year.  The sequence of DV3 252 in the FALL and ECO 253 in the SPRING is crucial. ECO 251 should be taken by the time the other courses in the theory/empirical sequence are completed. It is most convenient to take ECO 251 and 291 along with DV3 252 in the fall. Thus, if the economics major is planning to study off-campus as a second semester junior, it is absolutely imperative that he begin the empirical sequence and take ECO 253 as a sophomore.

Contact any member of the Economics Department if you have questions, need help in making course decisions, or want advice concerning the study of economics at Wabash and beyond.

Requirements for the Minor: Five course credits in economics. ECO 262 counts toward the minor, but not toward the major (DV3 252 does not count toward the minor.).

The department does not award credit for internships or business classes taken off campus.

An Area of Concentration in Education and Middle and High School Teaching licensure (grades 5-12) with this major is administered through the Teacher Education Program. For Education AOC and teaching licensure information, please see the Teacher Education section of the Academic Bulletin. Students are asked to consult with their academic advisor AND the Director of Teacher Education to learn more about course and licensure requirements.

 Curriculum Map/Path

Please note that all bolded courses are required for a major.