Your Questions, Answered Simply
How many credits are required for the Economics major?
The Economics major requires a total of 36 credits in Economics, along with one semester of Statistics and one semester of Calculus.
How many credits are required for the Economics minor?
The Economics minor requires a total of 18 credits in Economics.
How do I declare Economics as a major?
Earn a grade of C or better in the following courses:
220:102 – Introduction to Microeconomics
220:103 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
640:130, 640:135, or 640:151 – Calculus I
Log into MyMajor and select Economics as your first or second major.
How do I declare Economics as a minor?
Log into MyMajor and select Economics as your minor.
Where and when can I meet with an advisor?
You can meet with an advisor in New Jersey Hall, Room 202, 75 Hamilton Street (CAC) during regular business hours: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. To meet remotely, you can schedule a Zoom appointment by emailing
What GPA will I need for graduation?
To graduate with an Economics major, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Does Statistics and Calculus get averaged into my economic GPA?
No. Your Economics GPA is based only on the grades from the five core courses and the seven electives that count toward the major. Statistics and Calculus are not included.
If I repeat a course in which I earned a D or F, will the economics department accept the better grade?
Yes.
Can you take Introduction to Microeconomics as a first year student?
Yes.
What if I am having a problem in an economics course?
You should speak with your instructor immediately.
Can I use accounting classes towards the Economics major?
Yes. Intro to Financial Accounting (010:272) and Intro to Managerial Accounting (010:275) can be used as lower-level electives for the major. However, these courses are considered classes taken outside the RU-New Brunswick Economics Department. Students may use only three classes taken outside RU-New Brunswick Economics Department for the major.
Can I use accounting classes towards the Economics minor?
No.
Can I take courses at a community college or other university and use them for the Economics major?
Yes. A student may use a maximum of three classes outside the RU-New Brunswick Economics Department toward the major. However, these classes must be approved by the Economics Department. We strongly recommend students get approval from the Economics Department in advance of taking any outside course.
Can I take courses at a community college or other university and use them for the Economics minor?
Yes. A student may use a maximum of two classes outside the RU-New Brunswick Economics Department toward the minor. However, these classes must be approved by the Economics Department. We strongly recommend students get approval from the Economics Department in advance of taking any outside course.
Do I have to take three lower-elective courses for the major?
No. The restriction is on the number of upper-level electives, not on the number of lower-level electives. To complete the major, a student must take 7 electives, at least 4 of which are upper-level electives. Students may take more than 4 upper-electives if they wish.
Can I take Intermediate Micro and Macro at the same time?
The Economics Department does not recommend taking both courses in the same semester due to their workload. Students may take them together at their discretion, but are generally encouraged to spread them across separate semesters.
Do I need a C or better in 220:322 Econometrics?
Yes. Anyone who declares Economics as a major after July 1, 2009 and takes Econometrics Fall 2009 or later, must earn a C or better in Econometrics for the major.
What if I took 220:322 Econometrics Summer 2009 or earlier and earned a D? Do I have to retake Econometrics and get a C or better?
No. If you took Econometrics before the Fall 2009 semester and earned a D, you may still use that credit for the major. However, that D will count as the one D grade that you may use for the major.