The Department of Economics at Florida State University (FSU) offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree program in economics, providing students with a solid foundation in theoretical and applied economics. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours, with a minimum of 45 credit hours at the 3000 level or above. To graduate, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all economics courses.
General Education Requirements
As part of the general education requirements, students must complete 36 credit hours in the following areas: English composition (6 credit hours), mathematics (6 credit hours), natural sciences (6 credit hours), social sciences (6 credit hours), and humanities (6 credit hours). In addition, students must complete a computer competency requirement, which can be fulfilled by completing a computer science course or by demonstrating proficiency in a computer programming language.
Major Requirements
The major requirements for the BA and BS in Economics degrees include 27-30 credit hours of economics courses, depending on the degree track. The required economics courses are:
- ECO 2013: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credit hours)
- ECO 2023: Principles of Microeconomics (3 credit hours)
- ECO 3101: Intermediate Macroeconomics (3 credit hours)
- ECO 3203: Intermediate Microeconomics (3 credit hours)
- ECO 3401: Introduction to Econometrics (3 credit hours)
- ECO 4032: Economic Statistics (3 credit hours)
In addition to the required economics courses, students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of elective courses in economics, which can be chosen from a variety of areas, including international trade, economic development, and monetary economics.
Tracks and Specializations
The Department of Economics at FSU offers several tracks and specializations, which allow students to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. The available tracks and specializations include:
- General Economics Track: This track provides a broad-based education in economics, with a focus on theoretical and applied economics.
- International Economics Track: This track focuses on the economic relationships between countries, including international trade, finance, and development.
- Economic Policy Track: This track emphasizes the application of economic principles to policy issues, including taxation, regulation, and social welfare programs.
- Quantitative Economics Track: This track provides advanced training in econometrics and statistical analysis, with a focus on data-driven decision making.
Each track and specialization has its own set of required and elective courses, which are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and prepare them for careers in their chosen field.
| Track/Specialization | Required Courses | Elective Courses |
|---|---|---|
| General Economics Track | ECO 2013, ECO 2023, ECO 3101, ECO 3203 | 9 credit hours of elective courses in economics |
| International Economics Track | ECO 2013, ECO 2023, ECO 3101, ECO 3203, ECO 3613 | 6 credit hours of elective courses in international economics |
| Economic Policy Track | ECO 2013, ECO 2023, ECO 3101, ECO 3203, ECO 4313 | 6 credit hours of elective courses in economic policy |
| Quantitative Economics Track | ECO 2013, ECO 2023, ECO 3101, ECO 3203, ECO 4401 | 6 credit hours of elective courses in quantitative economics |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the economics program at FSU are well-prepared for a variety of careers in fields such as business, government, and non-profit organizations. Some potential career paths for economics majors include:
- Financial analyst
- Economic consultant
- Policy analyst
- International trade specialist
- Data analyst
In addition, many economics graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in economics, business, or law, which can lead to even more career opportunities and higher salaries.
What are the admission requirements for the economics program at FSU?
+To be admitted to the economics program at FSU, students must meet the university’s general admission requirements, which include a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1010 or ACT score of 22. In addition, students must complete the required general education courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all economics courses.
Can I minor in economics at FSU?
+Yes, FSU offers a minor in economics, which requires 15 credit hours of economics courses, including ECO 2013, ECO 2023, and 9 credit hours of elective courses in economics. The minor in economics is a great option for students who want to gain a basic understanding of economics without committing to a full major.
What kind of research opportunities are available to economics students at FSU?
+The Department of Economics at FSU offers a variety of research opportunities for undergraduate students, including the Economics Honors Program and the Undergraduate Research Program. These programs allow students to work closely with faculty members on research projects, present their research at conferences, and gain hands-on experience in data analysis and econometrics.
