What Is An Economics Major? A Multi-State Analysis

Abstract

By evaluating a new data set on colleges and universities across six states, this paper characterizes the state of the economics major and identifies institutional characteristics that may influence key features of an economics major.  Although majors are similar in terms of credit hour requirements and choice, there are significant differences in course requirements.  Variations in requiring calculus, econometrics, international economics, and a capstone course are analyzed.  PhD granting public institutions are more likely to require quantitative coursework such as calculus and econometrics, whereas economics departments in the business school are more likely to require international economics.  Further, more selective institutions offer a greater share of quantitative and international courses, but relatively fewer microeconomics electives.