Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Undergraduate: BA, BA in Economics-Mathematics, Minor
Combined degrees: BA/MA, BA/MS, BA/MBA
Graduate: MA, MS, PhD

The economics major leads to the bachelor of arts degree. In addition to the standard major, there is a more mathematical major program for students who are considering graduate work in economics. Two joint majors, recommended for students considering graduate work in economics, are also available: economics-geography, and economics-mathematics. These joint majors are also useful for students who find it in their interest to broaden the scope of their undergraduate education. Other joint majors toward the B.A. are possible upon special application by the student. Details of the requirements for joint majors are available in the undergraduate brochure outside the department office, 415 Fronczak Hall.

A minor in economics is available as an alternative to a joint major for students receiving a B.A. in other disciplines. It is also appropriate for students in B.S. degree programs, such as engineering or management, who want formal recognition of preparation in economics.

Time-Shortened Combined Degree Programs. The department offers a four-and-one-half to five-year program leading to a combined B.A./M.A. degree in economics and, at the student's option, an advanced certificate in an applied specialty (international economics, financial economics, urban and regional economics, economics of health services, economics of law and regulation, information and internet economics). The combined degree program trains students to apply economic tools in solving a wide variety of practical problems, and thus to be prepared to work in such settings as business/industry, banking, health care, and government. The program is conducted in cooperation with the School of Law, the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the School of Management, and the Departments of Geography, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, and Communication. Students interested in this program should consult the directors of the undergraduate program, and of the M.A. program, as early as possible in their college career.

The Department's B.A./M.S. program is intended for students who desire a more quantitative master's level training in economics. Students can choose one of three tracks: Financial Economics, International Economics and Applied Micro-Econometrics. All tracks emphasize the acquisition of applied econometric skills that can then be used to perform business research that employers increasing demand. The program is designed to speed the learning and graduation of students who, by the junior year, are reasonably confident that they wish to become economists who use both economic theory and economic data to provide quantitative analyses of economic issues.

The Department of Economics also offers a five-year program, in conjunction with the School of Management, leading to a combined B.A. (economics)/M.B.A. Students should consult the director of undergraduate studies and apply to the Department of Economics by the beginning of their sophomore year, and apply to the School of Management during their junior year. Students interested in this program should take ECO 181 and ECO 182, as well as a one-year Calculus sequence (MTH 121-MTH 122 or MTH 141-MTH 142) during the freshman year. MTH 131 may be substituted for MTH 121.

Joint Majors. As noted previously, the department offers formal joint majors with mathematics and geography, and also welcomes students who would like to construct personal joint programs, especially with other social sciences, such as philosophy, political science, or history. Students are advised to consult the economics undergraduate brochure outside the departmental office, 415 Fronczak Hall, and to consult both major departments as early as possible for details of their joint major requirements. The acceptance criteria for a joint major are the same as for a major.

Students considering an economics major should consult the undergraduate advisor in 411 Fronczak and help themselves to the Undergraduate Brochure outside the department office.

Advanced Placement: The department accepts AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics for credit with a grade of 4 or higher.

To apply for the Economics major or minor, students should submit a current DARS report to the department office, 415 Fronczak Hall, and write their name, person number, e-mail address and local address and phone number on it. Please also note whether the application is for a major or minor in Economics and, in the case of a double or joint major or double degree, specify the other major/degree.

Every economics major must take at least four upper level (300-level or higher) economics electives at the University at Buffalo. These cannot include ECO 495 Undergraduate Supervised Teaching or ECO 496 Internship in Economics. Transfer credit may be given towards the required courses (ECO 405 Microeconomic Theory, ECO 407 Macroeconomic Theory, and ECO 480 Econometrics 1) or for ECO 181 Introduction to Macroeconomics or ECO 182 Introduction to Microeconomics, or for other economics electives. Students who seek transfer credit should consult the director of undergraduate studies in economics and provide documentation, such as course descriptions and syllabi, for each course for which credit is sought. A form for this purpose is outside the department office, 415 Fronczak Hall.