Thinking about diving into economics? It’s a fascinating field, and like any new adventure, knowing where to start can make all the difference. For many, the journey begins with the "Principles of Economics" course. If you're even considering an economics major or concentrator, the advice is pretty clear: get this foundational course under your belt in your freshman year, or at the very latest, by the fall of your sophomore year. It’s designed to be accessible, too – no need to be a calculus whiz; high-school algebra is all you’ll need to get started.
And here’s a bit of good news: you can take this introductory course pass/D/fail, even if you decide to stick with economics. Just make sure you earn that 'P' to meet the requirement. However, a word to the wise: other economics courses and your crucial math and statistics requirements? Those generally can't be taken pass/fail if you want them to count towards your major or concentration. So, keep that in mind.
Once you're in Principles, you'll also need to register for a recitation section. Think of these as your smaller, more focused study groups, led by someone who knows the material inside and out. Make sure the recitation you choose matches your professor’s lecture – you’ll see the professor’s name listed for the associated recitations. It’s all about connecting the dots.
Now, what if you've already got some economics under your belt from elsewhere? If you've tackled British Advanced Level exams or scored well on IB Higher Level exams (a 6 or 7), and the university has granted you credit, you might be all set and can skip Principles. Similarly, if you’ve completed a full two-semester introductory sequence at another college or university, that can often fulfill the requirement. Just be sure to check the transfer credit policies; usually, even though it was two courses for you, it counts as the single Principles requirement here. And for those who aced the AP Micro and Macro exams with solid scores (a four and a five), that credit typically covers your Principles requirement too, and should show up on your academic record once you declare your major.
Moving beyond the introductory level, the 3000-level core courses – think Econometrics, Intermediate Microeconomics, and Intermediate Macroeconomics – are where things get a bit more specialized. Econometrics, for instance, is a prerequisite for most senior seminars, so you can't really leave it until your very last semester. Some electives also build on econometrics and statistics, so planning ahead is key. If you're thinking of taking econometrics in the fall of your senior year, you'll likely need the Director of Undergraduate Studies' approval. The department generally prefers you tackle these core intermediate courses and econometrics here, but you can petition to take one of them elsewhere, provided it's deemed equivalent and you get permission beforehand. For Intermediate Macro, expect calculus and introductory economics to be prerequisites. For Intermediate Micro, it's introductory courses plus two semesters of calculus. Equivalence for econometrics is also carefully considered.
It’s a structured path, for sure, but one that’s designed to build your understanding step by step. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding these initial steps can make the whole process feel much more manageable and, dare I say, even exciting.
