The Core of an Economics Degree
Microeconomics and macroeconomics usually come first, followed by intermediate theory and subjects such as labor, development, public finance, or international trade. Some programs ask for more calculus and statistics than others. Check prerequisites early if you plan to transfer or hope to take advanced courses.
What Econometrics Adds
Econometrics connects economic questions to observed data. You learn to estimate relationships and ask whether an apparent effect could have another explanation. A sequence of econometrics courses gives you different preparation from one introductory statistics class.
Match the Math to Your Goal
For data-heavy roles or graduate economics, the quantitative sequence deserves close attention. BLS lists a master’s as the typical entry credential for economists, although some government positions accept bachelor’s graduates with enough economics, statistics, or mathematics coursework.
Analysis and Research Support
Data, statistics, and economic reasoning can support applications to analytical roles with role-specific skills.
Policy and Government
Public economics and strong methods can be useful preparation for policy research or certain government entry routes.
Graduate Economics
Research economist roles commonly call for graduate study and substantial quantitative preparation.
Explore Related Careers
Read about the work, pay, and entry requirements for each occupation.
Compare Economics Math and Methods Requirements
The official catalogs below show calculus, statistics, theory, and econometrics in the required course sequence. Use them to compare what a BA, BS, or AB actually asks you to take rather than assuming the degree label settles it.
Economics AB
The course map includes microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, calculus, intermediate theory, and quantitative methods.
See University of California, Davis’s Economics AB ↗Economics BA/BS
The major includes intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics plus econometrics.
See University of Oregon’s Economics BA/BS ↗Federal program data include 699 records in the Economics, General category (CIP 45.0601), including 521 bachelor’s records. These are institution, field, and award-level records; related specializations may have separate categories. The economics rankings above cover the broader CIP 45.06 family, including applied economics and econometrics. See how we count programs.
Browse the Curriculum LibraryQuestions About Economics Degrees
Is Economics a Social Science?
Yes. Economics studies how people and institutions make choices about scarce resources, using theory, models, and empirical evidence.
Do You Need Calculus for an Economics Degree?
Requirements vary by program. Many quantitative tracks require calculus, while some BA programs offer different math sequences. Check the exact course map and prerequisites.
Can You Be an Economist With a Bachelor’s Degree?
BLS lists a master’s degree as typical for economists. Some entry-level government roles consider bachelor’s graduates with sufficient economics, statistics, or mathematics coursework.
Sources and Further Reading
- NCES Classification of Instructional Programs for CIP boundaries.
- Our Program Data and Editorial Methodology for count and metric definitions.
- BLS Economists Career Profile.
- University of California, Davis Economics AB catalog or program page.
- University of Oregon Economics BA/BS catalog or program page.
