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Major & Minor Requirements

Bachelor of Arts 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 TIME PERIOD, WILL NOT BE APPROVED UNTIL AFTER THE END OF THE REGISTRATION PERIOD.

A completed grade of at least C in ECN 150 is required before an ECN major or minor can be declared.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics consists of 30 hours in economics,  including ECN 150, 205 or 210, 207 or 211, and 209 plus electives, three of which must be 300 level electives. A minimum grade of C is required in ECN 150.  A minimum grade of C- is required in ECN 205 or 210, 207 or 211 and 209. In addition, students must achieve an overall 2.0 average in economics courses. The student also must make a minimum grade of C- in MTH 111 and  STA 111 (or similar course, including ANT 380; BIO 380; BEM 201; HES 262; SOC 271, or STA 311).

Students must receive a grade of C or higher in ECN 150 to enroll in ECN 205 or 210, ECN 207 or 211 and ECN 209.

The MTH and STA requirements do not count towards the 30 hours.

Economics majors are encouraged to take complementary courses in mathematics, the humanities, or other social sciences to sharpen their analytical skills and to acquire a broader understanding of important issues. The faculty adviser will assist each student in determining the particular combination of courses that satisfies his or her needs.

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.

Bachelor of Science in Economics

Introducing the Bachelor of Science in Economics Fall 2025

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.

Why Choose the BS in Economics?
This rigorous program combines advanced economic theory with strong quantitative and analytical training, making it ideal for:

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.

Special Opportunities:

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.

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.

Economics Minor Requirements

The minor in economics consists of eighteen hours, including ECN 150, ECN 205 or 210, and ECN 207 or 211 and electives. The mathematics and minimum grade requirements for the minor are the same as for the major in economics.

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

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.