Economics is about more than money and profits. It is a way of looking at the world through the lens of incentives, choices, and markets to help uncover new solutions to the persistent problems in our society. This economic perspective sheds light on important issues in the areas of production, education, crime, the environment, international trade, immigration, health care, economic growth, poverty, and more. The Bachelor of Science in Economics provides a stronger emphasis on quantitative analysis. Students prepare for a career as an analyst in government, consulting, trade associations, or other private sector positions, and for graduate school in economics or more quantitative business administration programs.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete a minimum of 59 credits of required coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students completing a concentration will complete additional credits.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Some economics courses may fulfill the Mason Core requirement in global understanding. Check with the departmental advising office for more information.
Core Courses without Concentration
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) (with a grade of C or above) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) (with a grade of C or above) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Additional Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 203 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| or STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives without Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Select 18 credits of electives from courses in economics at the 300 or 400 level 1 | 18 | |
| Select 6 credits of electives from courses in economics at the 400 level or higher. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
ECON 385 International Economic Policy may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
ECON 340 Introduction to Mathematical Economics may be used in place of the 4-credit course MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II. If this option is taken, students will not be able to apply ECON 340 as an elective in the major. MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in economics since it is required for admission to most graduate programs. An additional calculus course beyond MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.
Optional Concentrations
Students interested in a degree in economics with a concentration will complete the coursework for one of the concentrations below.
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Managerial Economics (MECN)
- Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Concentration in Managerial Economics (MECN)
Students who wish to focus their BS in economics for application in the business world may choose to pursue a concentration in managerial economics. They complete 62 credits, 10 of which may be used also to fulfill Mason Core requirements.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 308 | Managerial Economics and Strategy | 3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 310 | Money and Banking | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Required Courses in Math, Accounting, and Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 203 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
- 1
ECON 340 Introduction to Mathematical Economics may not be substituted for MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II for the concentration
Two Required Courses in Business Writing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 103 | Develop Professional Skills I: Foundational Elements | 3 |
| BUS 303 | Develop Professional Skills II: Advanced Elements | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives in Economics1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Economics of Labor | ||
| Economics of Industrial Organization | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Game Theory and Economics of Institutions | ||
| Law and Economics | ||
| International Money and Finance | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Airline Economics | ||
| Special Topics in Economics | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Additional Electives in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of electives in economics from courses at the 300 and 400 level or higher. 2 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
At least 6 credits of electives in economics must be at the 400 level.
- 2
ECON 385 International Economic Policy may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Elective not in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one elective from the following: | 3 | |
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Financial Management | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Principles of Marketing | ||
| Introduction to Business Information Systems (Mason Core) | ||
| Operations Management | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
This is a high credit concentration for students interested in a program that explores the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, political science, and economics.
Required Courses in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 345 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.
Required Courses in Math and Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits of electives in economics at the 300 and 400 level or higher. 1 | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
ECON 385 International Economic Policy may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
ECON 340 Introduction to Mathematical Economics may be used in place of the 4-credit course MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II. If this option is taken, students will not be able to apply ECON 340 as an elective in the major. MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in economics since it is required for admission to most graduate programs. An additional calculus course beyond MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.
Philosophy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
or PHIL 371 | Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | |
| Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Culminating | ||
| PHIL 353 | Theories of Justice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Political Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core) | ||
| Public Law and the Judicial Process | ||
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Political Parties and Campaigns | ||
| Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process | ||
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
| Constitutional Interpretation | ||
| Politics of Latin America | ||
| Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Politics of East Asia | ||
| Politics of Europe | ||
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Constitutional Interpretation | ||
| Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties | ||
| Law and Ethics of War | ||
| Culminating | ||
| GOVT 467 | How Washington Really Works | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Culminating Course in Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 460 | Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in economics fulfill this requirement by successfully completing:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| The Political Economy of Nonprofit Institutions (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Economic History (Mason Core) | ||
| Effective Writing in Economics (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Energy (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Regulation (Mason Core) | ||
| Smithian Political Economy I (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Upper Level Requirements
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Science in Economics Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Honors in the Major
Students pursuing departmental honors must complete 6 hours of ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) culminating with an original work of research and an oral presentation. Requirements for departmental honors are in addition to the coursework required for the major. Students must complete ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) with a grade of B or higher to receive departmental honors.
Economics majors who have completed 90 credits with an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.50 within the major are eligible to apply. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance.
Applications will be available starting May 1st of each year. Applications are due by August 1st.
To be accepted into the program and enroll in ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) students must submit a research proposal. Research proposals can be developed independently or by completing ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics with a grade of B or higher. Completion of ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics is not required for departmental honors.
Program Outcomes
- Understand the key concepts and theoretical models of microeconomics.
- Understand the key concepts and the different schools of thought in macroeconomics.
- Apply insights from field-specific knowledge in economics to analyze economic problems
- Interpret and apply statistical analysis methods found in scholarly research
- Demonstrate effective writing in the discipline.
It is important to note that many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Economics, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and an MA in Economics in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, and a grade of B or better in coursework applied to the major.
The following courses are recommended as preparation for the graduate-level courses students will be able to take for advanced standing:
- ECON 306 Intermediate Microeconomics
- ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomics
- At least one semester of calculus with analytic geometry
- Two-semester sequence of statistics
- ECON 345 Introduction to Econometrics
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA in economics program if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- 3.25 GPA in all economics courses
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
ECON 535 Survey of Applied Econometrics (3 credits)
ECON 611 Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
ECON 612 Microeconomic Theory II (3 credits)
ECON 615 Macroeconomic Theory (3 credits)
ECON 630 Mathematical Economics I (3 credits)
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
ECON 535 Survey of Applied Econometrics (3 credits)
ECON 611 Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
ECON 612 Microeconomic Theory II (3 credits)
ECON 615 Macroeconomic Theory (3 credits)
ECON 623 American Economic History (3 credits)
ECON 630 Mathematical Economics I (3 credits)
ECON 676 Comparative Economic Systems (3 credits)
ECON 695 Special Topics in Economics (3 credits)
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
BS (any)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program (BAM) and obtain an undergraduate BS degree and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
No specific undergraduate BS degree is required. Students enrolled in any BS degree may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if such an accelerated Statistical Science, MS pathway is allowable from the student's BS program, which will be determined by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs.
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation.
- An overall GPA of 3.00.
- Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or STAT 344 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
| STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
| or MATH 351 | Probability | |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 560 | Biostatistical Methods | 3 |
| STAT 574 | Survey Sampling I | 3 |
| STAT 663 | Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization | 3 |
All graduate course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment. Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree.
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.