FAQ - economics
1. What can you do with an economics major?
Either degree in Economics allows you to pursue any career in business, financial services, sales, owning your own business or getting into law school. A Bachelor of Science degree is excellent preparation for research, consulting, pursuing an MBA degree, MA and/or Ph.D. in economics. A Bachelor of Arts degree is excellent preparation for a teaching career.
2. What is the difference between a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree?
The Bachelor of Science major is a quantitatively oriented program, which provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in economics or business administration and for careers requiring quantitative analysis.
The Bachelor of Arts major is a social science oriented program that is ideal for students planning professional studies and/or careers in law, teaching, business, the public or nonprofit sectors.
For more information, please refer to the College Catalog or talk to the Economics Chair.
3. What is Economics 20 and how it is different from Economics 3 and 4?
This course covers both Micro- and Macro-Economic Principles in 1 semester at a very accelerated pace. Prospective students must have excellent math skills and be willing to work hard and independently. Economics 20 fulfills the Economics 3-4 requirement for all SEBA majors. For more information, please refer to the College Catalog or talk to the Economics Chair.
4. Are Economics majors required to take Accounting?
No.
5. Can you take Econ. 4 prior to taking Econ. 3?
Yes, but it might be slightly more challenging. Most of our students take Econ. 3 and then Econ. 4.
6. Can you take Econ. 106 prior to taking Econ. 105?
It doesn’t matter at all.
7. What requirements does Econ. 100 satisfy?
Econ. 100 (Issues and Topics in Economics) is equivalent to any upper division Economics elective and maybe taken more than once.
8. Is it easy for a Business Major to minor in Economics?
Yes. All lower division economics requirements and Econ. 106 (Macro-Economic Theory) are required for a business major. Econ. 105 (Micro-Economic Theory) fulfills requirements for a business major. You are required to take only 2 additional upper division courses to minor in Economics, both of which cannot be Econ. 130 (Money, Credit and Banking) and Econ. 136 (Investments).
9. Do you have an honor society for Economics majors and minors?
Yes, we do. Saint Mary’s College of California has a chapter of the National Economics Honor Society called Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE). To be eligible for ODE, economics majors must earn a minimum GPA of 3.25 in economics, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.25 overall. Economics minors, who take fewer classes in the discipline, must earn a GPA of 3.3. in their economics classes. This honor will appear on your transcript.
