Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Economics offers majors in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Moore School of Business. Economics majors in the College of Arts and Sciences may earn the BA or BS degree by completing the 24-hour major requirement along with the college core, distribution requirements, and cultural-awareness and writing-emphasis requirements as described in the basic degree requirements in arts and sciences. Business economics majors in the Moore School of Business may opt for a 12-hour major or a 24-hour intensive major. This major combines a concentration in economics with the business core, which includes course work in management science, accounting, management, marketing, and finance, along with a general education core, which includes course work in management science, accounting, management, marketing, and finance, along with a general education core. Students are encouraged to talk with an academic advisor in the economics department to gain further information about differences between the BA and BS in economics in the College of Arts and Sciences and the business economics major in the Moore School of Business.
Career Opportunities
Economics offers a variety of opportunities for graduates with baccalaureate degrees, including:
• banking and insurance
• retailing and manufacturing
• economic forecasting and economic research
• investment and policy analysis
• program evaluation and budget analysis
• employment and labor analysis
• teaching and research
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences or the Moore School of Business, you must meet all University admissions standards and College of Arts and Sciences or Moore School of Business requirements. University requirements for freshmen include a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To remain in your degree program, you must make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. As a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, you must maintain semester, yearly, and cumulative GPAs of no less than 2.00 and earn a minimum grade of “C” in all economics courses. Your standing in the department will depend upon your academic performance. Your academic records will be reviewed at the end of each spring semester. In order to be eligible for graduation, you must meet all course requirements for your degree program, be in good standing, meet any departmental or program requirements, and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00. The Moore School of Business requires students transferring from another college on the Columbia campus, from another USC campus, or from other institutions to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all course work with a minimum grade of “C” in all courses. Additionally, the business school requires transfer students to have completed at least one semester of calculus. Progression in the Moore school requires a minimum overall GPA of 2.60 with a minimum grade of “C” in all business administration and economics courses.
Program of Study (120 hours)
The BA or BS degree in economics requires 53 to 65 hours of general education requirements, including Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics or Introduction to Economics. You must also complete Calculus for Business Administration and Social Sciences or Calculus I with a minimum grade of “C,” as well as Elementary Statistics, with a minimum grade of “C.” You must also complete 24 hours of major requirements, including nine hours in major core courses such as Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, and Senior Seminar in Economics. Fifteen hours of economics electives must come from economics courses at the 300 level and above. No more than six hours of your 300-level electives may count toward your economics major. Your studies will be rounded out by 12 to 18 hours of College of Arts and Sciences cognates or minor courses and College of Arts and Sciences electives. If you plan to major in economics, we encourage you to consult the director of undergraduate studies in economics during your freshman year.
Of Special Interest
Economics faculty members are respected teachers and internationally recognized scholars. Their expertise covers the spectrum of economics, with particular strength in economic theory. They will advise you on an appropriate program of study, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning. Degree specializations in economics include business economics, analytical economics, policy economics, and international trade and development. Extensive educational facilities, maintained by the Moore School of Business, include a 12,000-square-foot computer center, a complete business reference library, and learning laboratories. The department’s doctoral programs rank above the national average in a study conducted by the Conference Board of Associated Research Councils.
Economics - College of Arts and Sciences Department's Web site
Economics Department - Moore School of Business Web site