Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts > Economics > Bachelor of Science (B.S. Economics)

Bachelor of Science (B.S. Economics)

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Economics

The Bachelor of Science degree is suitable for students who 1) wish to continue to graduate school in economics or business (especially finance), 2) are particularly interested in statistics or forecasting, or 3) are interested in any of the careers mentioned for the B.A. degree but who desire a more quantitative preparation. The B.S. degree has the same requirements as the B.A. degree, except for two upper division economics course requirements. Specifically, the B.S. degree additionally requires Mathematics for Economics (ECON 530) and Econometrics (ECON 532).

Students who intend to earn the B.S. degree must submit a Change of Program form to the Office of the Registrar.

Lower Division Requirements:

These requirements are the same as for the B.A. Economics degree. Students pursuing the B.S. Economics degree, however, are strongly advised to follow Plan A for the mathematics requirements and to take additional mathematics courses beyond this sequence in consultation with their economics advisor.

Upper Division Requirements (24 semester hours):

Eight upper division economics courses. A grade of at least C- must be obtained in every upper division course in the major, and the average grade in upper division economics courses must be at least C (2.0). In addition to ECON 310, 320, and 410, students are required to take ECON 530 and 532. Three additional upper division economics courses are required, of which at least two (6 semester hours) must be at the 400 level. No more than 30 semester hours of upper division economics may count toward the degree requirement of 120 hours. Upper division economics courses must be taken in the LMU Economics Department, except by prior permission of the Chairperson.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Economics) with an International Emphasis

At least eight upper division economics courses are needed for the B.A. degree in Economics with an International emphasis, although students can take up to ten. A grade of at least C- must be obtained in every upper division course in the major, and the average grade in upper division economics courses must be at least C (2.0). Six of these courses are required: ECON 310, 320, 370, 372, 410, and 474. ECON 310 and 320 should be taken in the sophomore or junior year, and ECON 370, 372, 410, and 474 should be taken in the junior or senior year. Two additional upper division economics courses are required, of which at least one (3 semester hours) must be at the 400 level. Upper division economics courses must be taken in the LMU Economics Department, except by prior permission of the Chairperson. The B.A. degree with an International emphasis is suitable for students who intend to pursue careers in international agencies of government, NGO, and private corporations doing business in the international arena.

Business and Economics Double Major Requirements

Students with majors in business may also pursue a major in economics by fulfilling the requirements of the B.A. or B.S. track described above. With prior permission of the Department, double majors in Business and Economics may select two upper division Business Administration courses as part of their economics electives.

Minor Requirements

18 semester hours consisting of ECON 110, 120, and four upper division ECON courses, or ECON 105 and five upper division ECON courses. The upper division courses should be chosen in consultation with an economics advisor. A grade of at least B- (2.7) is required in ECON 110 and 120, or 105.

Assessment Tests

All Economics majors are required to take two tests of learning, one at the end of their freshman year, and another at the end of their senior year. These tests do not determine any grade, but they are required for graduation. In addition, students with the highest scores receive an award and cash prizes, which are bestowed at the Department’s annual year-end banquet.

Test of Introductory Economics

During the Spring semester, all Economics majors who have taken ECON 105, 110, or 120 during that academic year are required to take a test of learning of introductory economics.

Comprehensive Test of Economics

All Economics majors who will have completed 100 hours or more by the end of the Spring semester are required to enroll in ECON 490. This is a zero semester hour course, required for graduation, which includes a comprehensive test of economics, a senior exit interview, and possible additional Department evaluation.

Entry into the Major or Minor

At entry to the University, students declare the major or minor through the Office of Admission. Currently enrolled LMU students wishing to declare the major or minor in Economics must meet with an advisor of the Economics Department. The advisor will sign the student’s Change of Program form, provided the student meets certain academic standards that include having a minimum LMU GPA of 2.0 (C), not otherwise being on academic probation, and having passed any economics or mathematics courses that he/she might have already taken with grades that satisfy the minimum requirements for those courses in the major or minor as outlined in the University Bulletin.