Economics is the social science that studies decision making given limited resources. The major is designed to instruct students in basic economic theory and analysis, and to prepare students for a variety of fields where economics is relevant and important, including business, law, and government. The program gives students a solid grounding in both critical thinking and knowledge of the field in general. Courses provide an understanding of markets and economic systems, and how to perform research and data analysis. The major also prepares students for graduate work in economics, business, or related fields.
The major consists of a 24-credit core curriculum (including either 21:640:119 Basic Calculus or 21:640:135 Calculus I), and an additional 18 elective credits in economics, for a total of 42 credits. At least one-half of these credits must be completed at Rutgers–Newark. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
The 18 elective credits in economics may also include any three of the following four courses from the Rutgers Business School:
29:390:315 Investments (3)
29:390:329 Finance (3)
29:390:330 Corporate Finance (3)
29:390:386 Futures and Options (3)
Seniors with at least a B average and with permission from the department chair may enroll in appropriate graduate courses.
Students who are planning to pursue graduate work in economics are encouraged to take Calculus I instead of Basic Calculus, and should consider taking additional courses in mathematics.
Core Courses
21:220:101 Introduction to Economics, Micro (3)
21:220:102 Introduction to Economics, Macro (3)
21:220:231 Statistical Methods (3)
21:220:322 Introduction to Econometrics (3)
21:220:323 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3)
21:220:324 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3)
21:220:406 Seminar in Applied Economics (3)
21:640:119 Basic Calculus (3) or 21&62:640:135 Calculus I (4)
