The requirements for majoring or minoring in economics are for the most part the same for Wharton students as they are for College and other students. Here we summarize any differences and address some Wharton-related issues.
Introductory Economics Courses
The department recommends that students interested in pursuing further study in economics take the Economics 1, 2 sequence. However, beginning in Fall of 2006, a one semester introductory macro and micro course (Economics 10) will be offered. The course is available only to Wharton students. Click here for the course description .
If a student receives a grade of at least A- in Economics 10, then Economics 10 can be used to satisfy the prerequisite for intermediate (Economics 101,102) courses. Students who take Economics 10 instead of Economics 1 and 2 and receive a grade lower than A- will not be permitted to enroll in intermediate courses. Because of the grade requirement, there is no guarantee that a student who takes Economics 10 can major or minor in economics. For this reason, a student who is considering a major or minor in economics should take the more in depth Economics 1 and 2 sequence instead of Economics 10. Also, students who take Economics 10 instead of Economics 1 and 2 will have to take an additional 200-level course in economics to complete the major or minor.
Click here for information on receiving AP/A-level or IB credit.
Prerequisites for Upper Level Courses
The intermediate courses (Economics 101, 102) are required to take upper level (200-level) courses in economics. BPUB 250 may not fulfill the intermediate Econ 101 course requirement or prerequisites for Econ 102 or 200-level courses. The only exceptions are:
(i) Students from the classes of 2006-2008 can substitute Finance 101 for Econ 102, but have to take an additional 200-level economics course towards the required 10 economics courses. Beginning with the class of 2009, Finance 101 will no longer be counted to satisfy any Economics department requirement.
(ii) Joseph Wharton scholars can use the Finance 103 taken at Wharton to waive out of Economics 1 and 2.
Counting Wharton Courses Towards the Major or Minor
A small number of Wharton courses are cross-listed with economics and count towards the economics major/minor. These are the only Wharton courses that count. Click here for information on economics courses, which include the cross-listed courses.