ECON-BA - Economics (BA)

The mission of the undergraduate program in Economics is to acquaint students with the economic aspects of modern society, to familiarize them with techniques for the analysis of contemporary economic problems, and to develop in them an ability to exercise judgment in evaluating public policy. The program introduces students to macro- and microeconomic theory, teaches them to think and write clearly about economic problems and policy issues and to apply the basic tools of economic analysis. The undergraduate major provides an excellent background for those who plan careers in government and private enterprise as well as those pursuing graduate degrees in professional schools or in the field of economics.

Students scoring a 5 on both the advanced placement microeconomics and advanced placement macroeconomics exam may petition the Director of Undergraduate Studies to have the course Principles of Economics course requirement waived. Students do not receive units credit for placing out of course Principles of Economics.

To use transfer credit in partial satisfaction of the requirements, the student must obtain written consent from the department's Director of Undergraduate Study, who establishes the amount of credit to be granted toward the department requirements (see the Information Book for Undergraduate Economics Majors). Students must have completed all Stanford prerequisites for approved transfer credit courses to use those courses towards the Economics major. See the department's Transfer Credit website for additional information.

Course prerequisites are enforced. Students taking courses to satisfy prerequisites in another department or institution must petition for Stanford course substitution or transfer credit approval to satisfy course prerequisites.

The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the department's undergraduate program. Students are expected to demonstrate:

1. understanding of core knowledge within Economics.

2. ability to analyze a problem and draw correct inferences using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.

3. ability to write clearly and persuasively and communicate ideas clearly.

4. ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline.