The economics major provides a highly structured experience that develops increasing levels of sophistication. It begins with courses in economic principles, continues to intermediate courses in economic theory and empirical practice, and culminates with rigorous courses in the applied fields of economics. Successful graduates are well-equipped to perform economic analysis in most commercial and policy settings, and to continue on to graduate school.
Special Emphasis Options
The Department of Economics offers four enhanced major tracks for students who have a relatively high GPA and want to focus their upper-division coursework in a specific area of interest. Interested students must have completed at least 6 credit hours of economics coursework at CU in order to declare the special emphasis. Students must have completed two out of three intermediate-level courses (ECON 3070, ECON 3080 and/or ECON 3818) with a minimum of 3.00 GPA in these courses, and must also have a minimum of 3.00 GPA in economics coursework at CU by the time of declaration and completion of the special emphasis. Requirements are listed on the Department of Economics website.
Environmental and Natural Resources Emphasis
The environmental and natural resources emphasis is designed for economics majors who are considering careers in fields requiring a thorough understanding of a broad range of issues associated with business practices and public policies addressing natural resource use and environmental quality, including environmental regulation and compliance: energy production and consumption, development of energy transportation, urban, rural and regional infrastructures.
International Emphasis
The international emphasis is designed for students who have an interest in courses with an international perspective both within economics and outside the department. Courses in international trade and finance are combined with selections of international courses in related social science disciplines. This program may be of particular interest to students seeking careers in international business, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations and government agencies.
Public Economics Emphasis
The public economics emphasis is designed for students who have an interest in taking courses with a public policy perspective both within economics and outside the department. Courses in public economics are combined with selections of public policy oriented courses from various social sciences. This emphasis is recommended for students with interests in public policy seeking careers in local, state, national or international agencies.
Quantitative Emphasis
The quantitative emphasis is designed for well-qualified majors with an interest in theoretical and/or applied mathematics. Economics courses in quantitative methods are combined with courses from the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Applied Mathematics. This program may be of interest to students planning to pursue graduate studies in economics or those seeking a career in applied quantitative research.