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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science in Economics

Here is the link to see the Undergraduate Bulletins: http://about.wfu.edu/academics/academic-bulletins/

ECON MAJOR AND MINOR DECLARATIONS OR CHANGES MADE TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO ADVISING AND REGISTRATION, AND DURING THAT PERIOD, WILL NOT BE APPROVED UNTIL AFTER THE END OF THE REGISTRATION PERIOD.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics, replacing the BS in Mathematical Economics starting in Fall 2025! This exciting transition brings a fresh, modern approach to studying economics, offering expanded course options, greater flexibility, and enhanced preparation for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.

Learn more about the BS major with these quick FAQs!

Why Choose the BS in Economics?

This rigorous program combines advanced economic theory with strong quantitative and analytical training, making it ideal for:

Emphasis on Rigor and Quantitative Skills

In addition to the required courses in calculus and linear algebra, BS students have to take two quantitative methods courses chosen from a list of classes in the math, statistics, and computer science departments. The emphasis on quantitative skills better prepares students for graduate programs in economics or related fields, and for the job market.

Flexibility to Pursue Minors or Another Major

Because BS students have to take courses outside of economics for their degree (in math, statistics, and/or computer science), they have the opportunity to fulfill some of the requirements of minors or majors in those departments as they pursue their BS in economics. This makes it easier for the BS students to get a minor or a second major from another department.

Declaring the BS in Economics 

Before declaring the BS in Economics, students must meet the following requirements: Earn a minimum B- in Introduction to Economics (ECN150) or receive AP credit for the course. Also, earn a minimum of B- in Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 (MTH112).

Degree Requirements:

The BS in Economics provides a comprehensive foundation in economic analysis paired with essential quantitative skills. Students will complete core economics courses, including Introduction to Economics (ECN150), Intermediate Mathematical Microeconomics (ECN210), Intermediate Mathematical Macroeconomics (ECN211), Applied Econometrics (ECN209), and Advanced Topics in Mathematical Economics (ECN318). Mathematics and statistics co-requisites include Calculus with Analytic Geometry 2 (MTH112), Multivariable Calculus (MTH113), Linear Algebra (MTH121), and Elementary Probability and Statistics (STA111).

Students must also select two quantitative methods courses from the following list: Ordinary Differential Equations (MTH251), Operations Research (MTH253), Optimization Theory (MTH254), Introduction to Regression and Data Science (STA112), Applied Generalized Linear Models (STA214), Design and Sampling (STA247), Probability (STA310 or MTH357), Statistical Inference (STA311), Linear Models (STA312), Networks: Models and Analysis (STA352), Problem Solving with Python (CSC102), Introduction to Computer Science (CSC111), or Fundamentals of Computer Science (CSC112).

In addition to the quantitative requirements, students must complete four economics electives, with at least two courses requiring ECN209 as a prerequisite and three courses at the 300 level. These flexible electives allow students to tailor the program to their specific career or graduate school ambitions.

Honors in Economics

These requirements are subject to change.  A student graduates under the requirements of the Undergraduate Bulletin of the year in which they enter.  However, when a student declares a major or minor, the requirements for the major or minor that are in effect at the time of declaration will apply.

Other Credits

The department policy on Advanced Placement credit is that you must have taken both the micro and macro economics tests and made a total score of at least eight. This will earn credit for ECN 150.

Students who score 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate in Economics will be given credit for ECN 150.

Transfer students who have taken a two-semester sequence of Micro and Macro Principles at a four-year college will be given credit for ECN 150, plus 3 other general credits in Economics (not applicable towards the Major).

In order to receive credit for courses taken elsewhere while enrolled at Wake, a student must have prior approval from the department. Normally, the student should provide a description of the other college’s courses.

Explanation of 5XX Courses:
Courses approved for transfer and study abroad that are not equivalent to a Wake Forest course are awarded the following course numbers:
DEPT 500 — Non-equivalent course credit which may count as an elective in the MAJOR. ECN 500 courses, if approved, are equivalent to 200 level electives for the major. *Should a department approve more than one 500 level course for the same person, the next courses would be numbered 501, 502, etc. 
DEPT 520 — Elective hours toward graduation only. It does not meet a major requirement; however, it counts in the maximum number of hours in a single field of study. This course will not fulfill a divisional requirement. *Should a department approve more than one 520 level course for the same person, the next course would be numbered 520, 521, etc.