Economics (B.A.)
Economics is a social science that seeks to understand human behavior by analyzing how changes in incentives affect the choices individuals and groups of individuals make. The basic challenge of economic decision making involves satisfying unlimited human wants with limited resources. Exploring this central economic concept becomes even more complex when a specific society’s values, objectives, and institutions are considered. Marymount’s B.A. in economics uses this economic framework to understand a broad range of diverse issues, including business operations, environmental policy issues, poverty, law, financial institutions, and international trade, among others.
Marymount’s location in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area provides the perfect setting for real-time analysis and experience via site visits, internship opportunities, and guest speakers from think tanks and government agencies. Small class sizes allow extensive individual interaction with professors.
A degree in economics prepares students for careers in government, consulting, and business. Indeed, average starting salaries for undergraduate economics majors are routinely among the highest among all undergraduate programs. Studying economics also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in law, public policy, international studies, or business.
Advisors will encourage students majoring in economics to choose their elective courses with specific postgraduate goals in mind. The economics degree provides ample elective credits for students to explore additional academic interests in fields like business, politics, mathematics, history, English, sociology, philosophy, and psychology.
Upon successful completion of the economics program, students will be able to
- Analyze, interpret, and present economic data that provides insight into a wide range of human concerns.
- Communicate economic information effectively in quantitative and qualitative terms in writing and orally.
- Apply economic reasoning to analyze a wide range of human behavior.
Internship Prerequisites: A minimum of 90 credits in the program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all 300- and 400-level economics courses are required to register for the internship (ECO 490). Students should also have completed a minimum of nine credits in 300- and 400-level economics courses. Students should consult their academic advisor and the College Dean's Office for more information.
Residency Requirement: Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits from the 300- and 400-level major degree requirements at Marymount.
Degree Requirements - Economics (B.A.)
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core Requirements.
Major Required Courses
Major Elective Courses
An additional 15 credits of 300/400 economics electives are required.
Sample Degree Plan — Economics (B.A.)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| | One (1) elective (MGT 123 recommended) | |
Year One - Spring
| ECO 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics * | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| | |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis * | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 218 | Probability and Statistics * | 3 |
| | |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
ECO 211: SS core course; DSCI core course
MA 132: MT core course
Year Two - Fall
| ECO 210 | Principles of Microeconomics * | 3 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
ECO 210: SS core course; DSCI core course
Year Two - Spring
| ECO 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| | One (1) 300/400-level economics course | |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Year Three - Fall
| ECO 310 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) 300/400-level economics course | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Three - Spring
| ECO 485 | International Economics | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | One (1) 300/400-level economics course | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four - Fall
| | Four (4) electives | |
| | One (1) 300/400-level economics course | |
Year Four - Spring
| ECO 490 | Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
| BILT 389 | BILT Field Experience | 3 |
| | |
| | One (1) 300/400-level economics course | |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Note: The minimum required credits for the program is 120. The third elective may be 2 credits.
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the
Liberal Arts Core and
Course Descriptions for further information.