University Catalog 2024-2025

Economics (BS)

Economics students can develop their understanding of economic issues in a variety of areas including: econometrics, game theory, health economics, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, money and financial institutions, public finance, resource and environmental economics.

A degree in economics provides rigorous analytical training with a broad understanding of the workings of the global economic system. Its flexibility allows students to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals. The undergraduate programs in economics prepare a student for careers in business and government as well as for many graduate and professional degree programs.

Both economics degrees require that students complete 120 credits towards the degree. All Economics majors are subject to the university and college's residency requirements. Additionally, students in the Economics majors (B.A. or B.S.) must earn at least 1/2 of their required economics (EC) credits while enrolled in the curriculum, and students must complete at least one-half of the required economics credit hours (EC courses) at NC State University.

Contact

Poole College of Management
4172 Nelson Hall
Raleigh, NC 27695
919.515.5565
Website

Denis Pelletier
Department Head and Professor
Department of Economics

Plan Requirements

Overall GPA for all courses attempted at NC State must be 2.0 or higher; and
Overall GPA for all EC and ECG courses attempted at NC State must be 2.0 or higher.

Requirements
EC 201Principles of Microeconomics3
or EC 205 Fundamentals of Economics
or ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics
EC 301Intermediate Microeconomics3
EC 302Intermediate Macroeconomics3
EC 351Econometrics I3
EC 451Econometrics II3
EC 490Research Seminar in Economics3
Business Analytics
BUS 340Information Systems Management3
BUS 351Introduction to Business Analytics3
Economics Electives
400/500 Level Econ Electives6
300/400/500 Level EC Electives6
Humanities and Social Sciences
Acad Writing and Research 14
GEP Social Sciences3
Select one of the following:3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
GEP Humanities6
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences Sequence8
BUS/ST 350Economics and Business Statistics3
or ST 312 Introduction to Statistics II
or ST 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineers
or ST 372 Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression
GEP Natural Sciences7
MA 131Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 33
or MA 141 Calculus I
MA 231Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B3
or MA 241 Calculus II
MA 114Introduction to Finite Mathematics with Applications3
or MA 242 Calculus III
ST 307Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS1
or ST 308 Introduction to Statistical Programming - R
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives5
Physical Education
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
Corequisites
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Advised Electives
Advised Electives 2,515
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 2,415
Total Hours120
1

C- or better

2

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.

3

The calculus requirement may be met by either of two sequences: MA 131 and MA 231 or MA 141 and 241. Students who choose the second sequence are strongly encouraged to take MA 242, which may substitute for MA 114.

4

Some courses will not count as free electives, such as WL 101, or 105 (in the language in which proficiency requirement is met), or MA 101, 103, 105. (12 hours of free electives may be taken for credit only.)

5

Advised Electives: (15 credits) Students are urged to discuss these courses with their adviser and to consider using these electives to pursue a minor. Chosen from any university course offerings except WL 101 or 105 (in the language in which proficiency requirement is met), or MA 101, 103, 105, or HES courses. Certain courses may not be taken in combination with other courses of similar content  - see catalog for instructions.

400/500 Level Econ Electives

ECG 5053
ECG 5063
ECG 5123
ECG 515Environmental and Resource Policy3
ECG 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
ECG 530Topics in Labor Economics3
ECG 537Health Economics3
ECG 540Economic Development3
ECG 548International Economics3
ECG 561Applied Econometrics I3
ECG 562Applied Econometrics II3
ECG 563Applied Microeconometrics3
ECG 5803
ECG 590Special Economics Topics1-6
FIM 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MBA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
ST 561Applied Econometrics I3
Econ Electives II A
EC 404Money, Financial Markets, and the Economy3
EC 410Public Finance3
EC 413Industrial Organization3
EC 431Labor Economics3
EC 4373
EC 449International Finance3
EC 451Econometrics II3
EC 468Game Theory3
EC 474Economics of Financial Institutions and Markets3
EC 4803
EC 490Research Seminar in Economics3
EC 495Special Topics in Economics1-6
EC 498Independent Study in Economics1-6

300/400/500 Level EC Electives

Econ Electives I
ARE 336Introduction to Resource and Environmental Economics3
EC 336Introduction to Resource and Environmental Economics3
Econ Electives I A
ARE 336Introduction to Resource and Environmental Economics3
EC 305A Closer Look at Capitalism3
EC 336Introduction to Resource and Environmental Economics3
EC 348Introduction to International Economics3
EC 351Econometrics I3
Econ Electives II
ECG 5053
ECG 5063
ECG 5123
ECG 515Environmental and Resource Policy3
ECG 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
ECG 530Topics in Labor Economics3
ECG 537Health Economics3
ECG 540Economic Development3
ECG 548International Economics3
ECG 561Applied Econometrics I3
ECG 562Applied Econometrics II3
ECG 563Applied Microeconometrics3
ECG 5803
ECG 590Special Economics Topics1-6
FIM 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MBA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
ST 561Applied Econometrics I3
Econ Electives II A
EC 404Money, Financial Markets, and the Economy3
EC 410Public Finance3
EC 413Industrial Organization3
EC 431Labor Economics3
EC 4373
EC 449International Finance3
EC 451Econometrics II3
EC 468Game Theory3
EC 474Economics of Financial Institutions and Markets3
EC 4803
EC 490Research Seminar in Economics3
EC 495Special Topics in Economics1-6
EC 498Independent Study in Economics1-6

Acad Writing and Research

Acad Writing Research
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research4
WLEN 101Academic Writing and Research4
Transfer Sequence
ENG 202Disciplinary Perspectives in Writing3
ENG 1GEP3

Natural Science Sequence

Chemistry Sequence
CH 101Chemistry - A Molecular Science3
CH 102General Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 201Chemistry - A Quantitative Science3
CH 202Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory1
Geology Sequence
MEA 101Geology I: Physical3
MEA 110Geology I Laboratory1
MEA 202Geology II: Historical3
MEA 211Geology II Laboratory1
Physics I Sequence
PY 201University Physics I4
PY 202University Physics II4
Physics II Sequence
PY 205Physics for Engineers and Scientists I3
PY 206Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory1
PY 208Physics for Engineers and Scientists II3
PY 209Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory1
Physics III Sequence
PY 211College Physics I4
PY 212College Physics II4
Zoology Sequence
Biology Sequence
BIO 181Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity4
BIO 183Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology4

Quantitative Elective

BMA 573Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I3
BMA 574Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes II3
BUS 351Introduction to Business Analytics3
CSC 416Introduction to Combinatorics3
CSC 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
CSC 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
CSC 442Introduction to Data Science3
CSC 565Graph Theory3
CSC 580Numerical Analysis I3
CSC 583Introduction to Parallel Computing3
E 531Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I3
EC 4803
ECG 5053
ECG 5063
ECG 5123
ECG 515Environmental and Resource Policy3
ECG 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
ECG 530Topics in Labor Economics3
ECG 537Health Economics3
ECG 540Economic Development3
ECG 548International Economics3
ECG 561Applied Econometrics I3
ECG 562Applied Econometrics II3
ECG 563Applied Microeconometrics3
ECG 580
ECG 590Special Economics Topics1-6
EMS 519Teaching and Learning of Statistical Thinking3
FIM 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
FIM 548Monte Carlo Methods for Financial Math3
FIM 549Financial Risk Analysis3
GPH 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
ISE 505Linear Programming3
LOG 335Symbolic Logic3
MA 2053
MA 225Foundations of Advanced Mathematics3
MA 242Calculus III4
MA 302Numerical Applications to Differential Equations1
MA 303Linear Analysis3
MA 305Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices3
MA 315Mathematics Methods in Atmospheric Sciences4
MA 325Introduction to Applied Mathematics3
MA 331Differential Equations for the Life Sciences3
MA 335Symbolic Logic3
MA 341Applied Differential Equations I3
MA 351Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models3
MA 401Applied Differential Equations II3
MA 402Mathematics of Scientific Computing3
MA 403Introduction to Modern Algebra3
MA 405Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MA 407Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors3
MA 408Foundations of Euclidean Geometry3
MA 410Theory of Numbers3
MA 412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
MA 413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
MA 416Introduction to Combinatorics3
MA 421Introduction to Probability3
MA 425Mathematical Analysis I3
MA 426Mathematical Analysis II3
MA 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
MA 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
MA 430Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences3
MA 432Mathematical Models in Life Sciences3
MA 437Applications of Algebra3
MA 4403
MA 444Problem Solving Strategies for Competitions1
MA 450Methods of Applied Mathematics I3
MA 451Methods of Applied Mathematics II3
MA 491Reading in Honors Mathematics1-6
MA 493Special Topics in Mathematics1-6
MA 494Major Paper in Mathematics1
MA 499Independent Research in Mathematics1-6
MA 501Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists I3
MA 502Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists II3
MA 504Introduction to Mathematical Programming3
MA 505Linear Programming3
MA 507Survey of Real Analysis3
MA 508Survey of Geometry3
MA 509Survey of Abstract Algebra3
MA 510Selected Topics In Mathematics For Secondary Teachers1-6
MA 511Advanced Calculus I3
MA 5123
MA 513Introduction To Complex Variables3
MA 515Analysis I3
MA 518Geometry of Curves and Surfaces3
MA 520Linear Algebra3
MA 521Abstract Algebra I3
MA 522Computer Algebra3
MA 523Linear Transformations and Matrix Theory3
MA 524Combinatorics I3
MA 526Mathematical Analysis II3
MA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MA 531Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I3
MA 532Ordinary Differential Equations I3
MA 534Introduction To Partial Differential Equations3
MA 537Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos3
MA 540Uncertainty Quantification for Physical and Biological Models3
MA 544Computer Experiments In Mathematical Probability3
MA 546Probability and Stochastic Processes I3
MA 547Stochastic Calculus for Finance3
MA 548Monte Carlo Methods for Financial Math3
MA 549Financial Risk Analysis3
MA 551Introduction to Topology3
MA 555Introduction to Manifold Theory3
MA 561Set Theory and Foundations Of Mathematics3
MA 565Graph Theory3
MA 573Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I3
MA 574Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes II3
MA 580Numerical Analysis I3
MA 583Introduction to Parallel Computing3
MA 584Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Difference Methods3
MA 587Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Element Method3
MA 591Special Topics1-6
MBA 528Options and Derivatives Pricing3
MEA 315Mathematics Methods in Atmospheric Sciences4
OR 504Introduction to Mathematical Programming3
OR 505Linear Programming3
OR 531Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I3
OR 565Graph Theory3
ST 401Experiences in Data Analysis4
ST 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
ST 405Applied Nonparametric Statistics3
ST 412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
ST 413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
ST 421Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I3
ST 422Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II3
ST 430Introduction to Regression Analysis3
ST 431Introduction to Experimental Design3
ST 432Introduction to Survey Sampling3
ST 433Applied Spatial Statistics 3
ST 434Applied Time Series3
ST 435Statistical Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement3
ST 437Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis 3
ST 440Applied Bayesian Analysis3
ST 442Introduction to Data Science3
ST 445Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management3
ST 446Intermediate SAS Programming with Applications3
ST 491Statistics in Practice3
ST 495Special Topics in Statistics1-6
ST 497Professional Experience in Statistics1-3
ST 498Independent Study In Statistics1-6
ST 499Research Experience in Statistics1-3
ST 501Fundamentals of Statistical Inference I3
ST 502Fundamentals of Statistical Inference II3
ST 503Fundamentals of Linear Models and Regression3
ST 505Applied Nonparametric Statistics3
ST 5063
ST 507Statistics For the Behavioral Sciences I3
ST 5083
ST 511Statistical Methods For Researchers I3
ST 512Statistical Methods For Researchers II 3
ST 513Statistics for Management and Social Sciences I3
ST 514Statistics For Management and Social Sciences II3
ST 515Experimental Statistics for Engineers I3
ST 516Experimental Statistics For Engineers II3
ST 517Applied Statistical Methods I3
ST 519Teaching and Learning of Statistical Thinking3
ST 520Statistical Principles of Clinical Trials3
ST 5243
ST 533Applied Spatial Statistics 3
ST 534Applied Time Series3
ST 535Statistical Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement3
ST 537Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis 3
ST 540Applied Bayesian Analysis3
ST 542Statistical Practice3
ST 544Applied Categorical Data Analysis3
ST 546Probability and Stochastic Processes I3
ST 555Statistical Programming I3
ST 556Statistical Programming II3
ST 557Using Technology to Teach and Learn with Data3
ST 558Data Science for Statisticians3
ST 561Applied Econometrics I3
ST 562Data Mining with SAS Enterprise Miner 3
ST 563Introduction to Statistical Learning3
ST 590Special Topics1-6
ST 701Statistical Theory I3
ST 702Statistical Theory II3
ST 705Linear Models and Variance Components3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 1 4
GEP Humanities 3
MA 131
Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A
or Calculus I
3
GEP Natural Sciences (Sequence) 4
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
EC 205 Fundamentals of Economics 3
GEP Natural Sciences (Sequence) 4
GEP Humanities 3
MA 231
Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B
or Calculus II
3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours14
Second Year
Fall Semester
EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
BUS 340 Information Systems Management 3
MA 114
Introduction to Finite Mathematics with Applications
or Calculus III
3
GEP Natural Sciences 4
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
ST/BUS 350 Economics and Business Statistics 3
EC 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3
BUS 351 Introduction to Business Analytics 3
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3
Free Electives 4
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall Semester
EC 351 Econometrics I 3
Select one of the following: 3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
Economics Elective 6
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 2
ST 307
Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS
or Introduction to Statistical Programming - R
1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
EC 451 Econometrics II 3
Economics Electives 6
Free Electives 6
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Economics Electives 3
Select two Advised Electives 6
GEP Social Sciences 3
GEP Natural Sciences 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
EC 490 Research Seminar in Economics 3
Select two Advised Electives 6
Free Electives 5
 Hours14
 Total Hours120
1

Must be completed with “C-” or better.

GPA Graduation Requirements

  • Overall GPA for all courses attempted at NC State must be 2.0 or higher; and
  • Overall GPA for all EC and ECG courses attempted at NC State must be 2.0 or higher

Career Opportunities

An undergraduate degree in economics has long served as the foundation for advanced professional degrees in law and business, graduate study in economics, as well as jobs in business, industry and government.

Career Titles

  • Actuary
  • Administrative Service Manager
  • Business Professor
  • Community Outreach Manager
  • Compensation Administrator
  • Compensation Specialist
  • Customer Service Supervisor
  • Economics Professor
  • Economist
  • Employment Administrator
  • Environmental Economists
  • Environmental Research Analyst
  • Equal Opportunity Representative
  • Event / Convention Planner
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Examiner
  • Financial Planner
  • Fundraising Manager
  • Government Budget Analyst
  • Government Service Executives
  • Insurance Claim Examiner
  • Intelligence Specialist (Government)
  • Internal Auditor
  • Investment Fund Managers
  • Management Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Managers
  • Occupational Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Personnel Administrator
  • Product Planner
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Retail Buyer
  • Retail Sales Department Supervisor
  • Social and Community Service Managers
  • Sociologist
  • Survey Researchers
  • Tax Assessor
  • Transportation Planners
  • Urban and Regional Planner

Learn More About Careers

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American Economic Association