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What Is an Economics Major? A Multi-State Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Melanie Marks
  • David Lehr

Abstract

By evaluating a new data set on colleges and universities across six states, this paper characterizes the state of the economics major and identifies institutional characteristics that may influence key features of an economics major. Although majors are similar in terms of credit hour requirements and choice, there are significant differences in course requirements. Variations in requiring calculus, econometrics, international economics, and a capstone course are analyzed. PhD granting public institutions are more likely to require quantitative coursework such as calculus and econometrics, whereas economics departments in the business school are more likely to require international economics. Further, more selective institutions offer a greater share of quantitative and international courses, but relatively fewer microeconomics electives.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie Marks & David Lehr, 2014. "What Is an Economics Major? A Multi-State Analysis," Journal for Economic Educators, Middle Tennessee State University, Business and Economic Research Center, vol. 14(1), pages 2-16, Fall.
    • Handle: RePEc:mts:jrnlee:v:14:y:2014:i:1:p:2-16
    as

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    File URL: http://capone.mtsu.edu/jee/2014/P2toP16-MS913.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. George Daly, 2009. "The Economics Major as Part of a Liberal Education: The Teagle Report: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 621-623, May.
    2. Catharine Hill, 2009. "The Economics Major as Part of a Liberal Education: The Teagle Report: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 618-620, May.
    3. David Colander & KimMarie McGoldrick, 2009. "The Economics Major as Part of a Liberal Education: The Teagle Report," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 611-618, May.
    4. KimMarie McGoldrick, 2008. "Writing Requirements and Economic Research Opportunities in the Undergraduate Curriculum: Results from a Survey of Departmental Practices," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 287-296, July.
    5. David W. Breneman, 2009. "The Economics Major as Part of a Liberal Education: The Teagle Report: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 620-621, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    general economics; undergraduate major;

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

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