Joint Major
Pursuing a joint major allows students to broaden the scope of their undergraduate education. The Department of Economics offers established joint majors with the Department of Mathematics. Students in joint major programs are eligible to be enrolled and nominated for Honors on the same terms as other majors in economics.
Economics majors may also propose a new joint major, involving completion of approximately two-thirds of standard economics requirements, as long as they meet the following guidelines:
- Joint majors must be between programs leading to the same degree (BA). For example, a student may not propose a joint major between Economics (BA) and Business Administration (BS).
- The joint major must be with a field that is complementary to economics. The Director of Undergraduate Studies in Economics shall determine whether the proposed joint major is appropriate. (Additional requirements may be imposed by the other department involved in the joint major.)
Please Note
To pursue a joint major, students must apply to BOTH departments. Students should also consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies in both departments to confirm the degree requirements.
Joint Major Requirements
Joint Major in Economics and Mathematics (BA)
Students who wish to pursue a joint major in Economics and Mathematics must submit separate applications to each department. To graduate with this degree, students must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA, a 2.0 GPA in the courses listed below, and fulfill all other university requirements. Students should consult with their advisor in each department to choose their 400-level courses. Exceptions to the curriculum may be allowed through consultation with the appropriate department.
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Economics ourses | ECO 405 Microeconomic Theory 1 ECO 406 Microeconomic Theory 2 ECO 407 Macroeconomic Theory ECO 480 Econometrics I | 3 3 3 3 |
| Economics Upper Level Electives | Any additional three courses at the 300-level or above must be completed at the University at Buffalo, excluding ECO 495, ECO 496, ECO 498 and ECO 499. | 9 |
Required Mathematics Courses | MTH 141 College Calculus 1 MTH 142 College Calculus 2 MTH 241 College Calculus 3 MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations MTH 309 Introduction to Linear Algebra MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics MTH 411 Probability Theory MTH 412 Introduction to Statistical Inference MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (or MTH 420 Abstract Linear Algebra) MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I | 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 |
Mathematics Electives | One 300 or 400-level Mathematics course excluding MTH 417. Students should contact the Mathematics Department to check the continued applicability of Mathematics requirements. | 3-4 |
Total Economics Credits | 21 | |
Total Mathematics Credits | 43 - 44 |
*It is highly recommended that students also take MTH 241: College Calculus 3 and MTH 309: Introduction to Linear Algebra.
General Joint Major in Economics (BA)
The following requirements apply to ALL economics joint major degrees. Additional requirements will be imposed by the other department involved in the joint major
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | MTH 121, MTH 131, OR MTH 141 | 4 |
| Required Economics Courses | ECO 405 Microeconomic Theory ECO 407 Macroeconomic Theory ECO 380 Economic Statistics and Data Analysis ECO 480 Econometrics I | 3 3 3 3 |
Economics Upper-Level Elective Requirements | Three additional 400-level Economics courses These cannot include ECO 495 and ECO 496. A maximum of 3 credits may be from ECO 499 Independent Study or ECO 498 Undergraduate Research. | 9 |
| Any-level Economics Electives | Economics courses at any level | 6 |
| Total Economics Credits | 27 |
All upper-level elective credits must be completed at the University at Buffalo.
Math Recommendations: It is recommended that students considering graduate studies in economics take MTH 141, MTH 141, and additional mathematics courses, particularly MTH 309 Introduction to Linear Algebra and MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I.