Students will learn the critical skills used to determine the implications of economic decisions for the allocation of society's scarce resources, the pricing of goods and services, the distribution of income, the behavior of macroeconomic variables, and the effect of government intervention.

Classes within the economics major include, among others, international trade, law and economics, economics of sports, game theory, and public choice. The analytical skills students develop are useful preparation for careers in business, law, government, public policy and academia. A degree in economics is also appropriate for students intending to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences and in professional schools.

Coursework for the Major

The major requires 37-39 credits. Students must achieve minimum grades of C in each required foundation and economics course, including the economics electives and outside substitutes.

Recommended Coursework

Students planning to pursue graduate study in economics should consider a minor in mathematics or statistics or take the following mathematics and statistics courses:

Overseas Studies

Economics students are strongly encouraged to complete a study abroad or internship abroad program. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Beyond 120 program, the Heavener School of Business’ International Programs Office, and the UF International Center offer several excellent study abroad programs that allow economics majors the opportunity to study or work abroad and still make timely progress toward their degree requirements. Contact the undergraduate coordinator or a study abroad advisor for more information.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete 1 of 4 courses from ECO 2013, ECO 2023, MAC 2233 and STA 2023 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA, excluding ECO 3101
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete 1 additional course of the 4 with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA, excluding ECO 3101
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete 2 additional courses of the 4 with a 3.0 critical-tracking GPA, excluding ECO 3101
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete ECO 3101 with a minimum grade of C
• Maintain a 3.0 critical-tracking GPA, excluding ECO 3101
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 6

• Complete 1 3000/4000 level Economics course
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 7

• Complete ECO 3203 and 1 additional 3000/4000 level Economics course
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 8

• Complete 2 additional 3000/4000 level Economics courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education course (typically, GE-C, H, or S).

FIN 3403, AEB 3450, AEB 4931, and GEO 3502, if taken, do not also count toward the 3000 level or above electives outside of the major.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

This major teaches students the skills used to understand how households, firms and governments make economic decisions and the implications of those decisions for resource allocation, pricing, the distribution of income and macroeconomic variables.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Take the Economics Field Test conducted by the ETS. This test will be 10% of the student's grade in ECO 3203.The goal of the Department of Economics is that each student's average score exceeds the national average of 154; however, a score of 154 is not a graduation requirement.
• Students who want to graduate magna cum laude or summa cum laude must propose and defend an honors thesis before the department's undergraduate committee.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Identify indifference curves as representations of consumer preferences, and to evaluate these indifference curves in the context of preference relations.

Critical Thinking

2. Model and analyze unfamiliar social interactions using a formal economic framework.

Communication

3. Communicate effectively the concept of opportunity costs and tradeoffs.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Embedded questions in exams and papers
• The ETS Field Test