Economics (B.A.) Academic Course Map
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics (ECON) at CU Boulder provides a highly structured experience that develops increasing levels of sophistication. It begins with courses in economic principles, continues to intermediate courses in economic theory and empirical practice, and culminates with rigorous courses in the applied fields of economics. Successful graduates are well-equipped to perform economic analysis in most commercial and policy settings, and to continue on to graduate school.
Economics is a quantitative, policy-oriented social science with a highly developed body of theory and a wide range of real-world applications. Economists seek to describe the process by which societies use scarce resources to attain societal goals and predict the consequences of changes in those processes. Theoretical models, understanding of economic and policy-making institutions, quantitative analysis, and the examination of data embody this field of knowledge.
Admission Requirements
Â鶹ÒùÔº who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU Boulder to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences’ Colorado Community College webpage for more information detailed information admissions requirements for students transfering from a Colorado Community College.
Transfer Recommendations
To graduate in a 4-year overall time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule below. Â鶹ÒùÔº who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU Boulder staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.
Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the Economics (ECON) major
This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes. Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable.
Your community college must offer an Associate of Arts degree with Designation (DwD) in Economics to use this transfer guide.
Your Community College (first two years)
Fall Semester 1
Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) | 3 | |
ENG 121/1021 | English Composition I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
MAT 121/1340 | 4 | |
Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
Transfer Elective | 3 | |
Total Credits | 16 |
Spring Semester 1
Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ECO 202/2002 | Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1) | 3 |
ENG 122/1022 | English Composition II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
MAT 122/1420 | 3 | |
Guaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1) | 3 | |
Transfer Elective | 3 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester 2
Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
MAT 201/2410 | Calculus 1 (GT-MA1) | 5 |
Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
Guaranteed Transfer Natural & Physical Sciences Course (GT-SC1) | 4 | |
Transfer Elective | 3 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 2
Course Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 135/1260 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
Guaranteed Transfer Natural & Physical Sciences Course (GT-SC1 or GT-SC2) | 4 | |
Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
Transfer Electives | 4 | |
Total Credits | 14 |
Total community college credits: 60
Completion of the four semesters of coursework above fulfills the requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree with Designation (DwD) in Economics at most Colorado community colleges and fulfills the General Education requirements at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder (last two years)
Fall Semester 3
Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ECON 3070 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
ECON 3818 | Intro to Statistics with Computer Applications | 4 |
Lower- or Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
Lower- or Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 4 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 3
Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ECON 3080 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory | 3 |
ECON 4818 or | Intro to Econometrics | 3 |
Lower- or Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Lower- or Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester 4
Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
ECON 4000-level Major Elective | 3 |
ECON 4000-level Major Elective | 3 |
ECON 4000-level Major Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 4
Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
ECON 4000-level Major Elective | 3 |
ECON 4000-level Major Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
Total Credits | 15 |
Total credits at CU Boulder: 60
Completion of all eight semesters of coursework listed above fulfills the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Economics at CU Boulder.
*For community college courses, the first course number is previous to summer 2022, and the second course number is the new number starting in summer 2022.
**If student is ready for calculus or pre-calculus, then this course can be replaced by a transfer elective.
***If student is ready for calculus or pre-calculus, then this course can be replaced by MAT 166 Pre-Calculus or a transfer elective.