Pre-Economics

Undergraduate 
Foundational Economics Major

Your first step toward your future in economics.

The Foundational Economics major provides foundational courses and explores professional development opportunities. 

Foundational Economics students must apply to enter the upper-division BA Economics program, and are also required to complete a minor.

Foundational Economics Major Overview

Students intending to major in Economics and earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) through the Eller College of Management enter as a Foundational Economics major prior to Summer 2023.  Beginning Summer 2023, students will be admitted to the Foundational Economics major to complete core coursework. During this foundational phase, students take introductory Foundational Economics courses and General Education courses, and begin exploring professional development opportunities. Students must have a 2.0 GPA, successfully complete required Economics Foundation Classes, and complete an application including a cover letter and resume in order to enter the upper-division phase of the BA Economics program. BA Economics students are also required to complete a Minor as part of their curriculum.  

Foundational Economics Advising and Professional Development

Every Eller Foundational Economics student has an assigned advisor to help with the academic questions. 

Meet the academic advising team 

Throughout your time at Eller, you’ll have access to career guidance and networking opportunities that help you explore your opportunities and land your future career.

Meet the career coaches

Foundational Economics Sample Coursework Plans

How your Eller Foundational Economics experience can play out:

This sample plan is based on 14-16 credits per semester, but each student and their academic plan is unique.   Please meet with your Academic Advisor to create a custom plan for you.  Please note that your general education, including second language, requirements are determined by when you were admitted to the university.  Your Academic Advisor can help you navigate the requirements relevant for you. For a full list of official degree requirements, check out the University General Catalog. 

First Year

1st Semester
Course Units
ENGL 101* First Year Composition  
MIS 111* Computers and Internetworked Society 
MIS 112* Computers and Internetworked Society Lab  
MATH 112 College Algebra Concepts and Applications (requires grade of C or better)  
Second Language  
UNIV 101 Introduction to the General Education Experience
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days		 3
3
1
3
4
1
Total 15 
2nd Semester
Course Units
ENGL 102* First Year Composition  
MATH 113 Brief Calculus or MATH 116* Calculus Concepts for Business Majors (requires grade of C or better)
General Education  
General Education or minor course
Second Language 
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days 		 3
3
3
3
4
Total 16
Summer
Use summer to catch up on math if behind in sequencing based on placement results prior to your first year.

Sophomore Year

1st Semester
Course Units
BNAN 276* Statistical Inference in Management 
ECON 200* Basic Economic Issues (requires grade of C or better)
General Education  
General Education or minor course
Second Language
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days		 3
3
3
3
4
Total 16
2nd Semester
Course Units
BCOM 212* Fundamentals of Communication
General Education 
General Education 
Second Language
UNIV 301 General Education Portfolio
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days. Apply for Advanced Standing.		 3
3
3
4
1
Total 14
Summer
We highly recommend that students participate in a study abroad and career-related experience.

Note: This is only a sample plan and requirements are subject to change and may vary based on catalog year, placement tests, AP/CLEP credit, transfer work, summer school, etc. The above plan is designed on the assumption that a student tests into College Algebra on the PPL Math Placement Exam; students who test lower than College Algebra should work with their academic advisor to learn how they can adjust their schedule to meet their educational goals.

Students can meet the Second Language requirement by demonstrating fourth semester proficiency through examination or taking any of a variety of second semester language courses. Each student needs to meet a minimum of 120 total credits. Please consult with your Advisement Report and your academic advisor.

* Eller Economics Foundation Courses: Required to apply for Advanced Standing into the upper-division phase of the BA Economics program. Advanced Standing is required in order to take all 300 & 400-level Economics Courses.

This sample plan is based on 15-16 credits per semester, but each student and their academic plan is unique.   Please meet with your Academic Advisor to create a custom plan for you.  Please note that your general education, including second language, requirements are determined by when you were admitted to the university.  Your Academic Advisor can help you navigate the requirements relevant for you. For a full list of official degree requirements, check out the University General Catalog. 

First Year

1st Semester
Course Units
ENGL 101* First Year Composition 
MATH 100 Preparation for University-Level Mathematics
SAS 100AX Math Success Strategies 
MIS 111* Computers and Internetworked Society 
MIS 112* Computers and Internetworked Society Lab

A student's performance in MATH 100 and SAS 100AX will determine future UA MATH courses.  Students can register for a late-start 10-week or 7-week General Education course if desired.     

Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days

 3
3
2
3
1
Total 12    
2nd Semester
Course Units
ENGL 102* First Year Composition  
MATH 112 College Algebra Concepts and Applications (requires grade of C or better)
UNIV 101 Introduction to the General Education Experience
1-2 General Education courses
Second Language 
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days 		 3
3
1
3-6
4
Total 14-17
Summer
Students who wish to accelerate their semester plans must be prepared to take math courses in an accelerated format in Summer.  Please speak with an academic advisor for more information.  

Sophomore Year

1st Semester
Course Units
MATH 113* Brief Calculus or 116* Calculus Concepts for Business Majors (requires grade of C or better)  
General Education 
General Education 
Second Language
Minor Course
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days		 3
3
3
4
3
Total 16
2nd Semester
Course Units
BNAN 276* Statistical Inference in Management 
ECON 200* Basic Economic Issues (requires grade of C or better)  
General Education 
Second Language
Minor Course
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days.		 3
3
3
4
3
Total 16
Summer
We highly recommend that students participate in a study abroad and career-related experience.

Junior Year

1st Semester
Course Units
BCOM 212* Fundamentals of Communication
UNIV 301 General Education Portfolio
General Educations
Second Language
Minor Course
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days. Apply for Advanced Standing.		 3
1
3
4
3
Total 14

Note: This is only a sample plan and requirements are subject to change and may vary based on catalog year, placement tests, AP/CLEP credit, transfer work, summer school, etc. The above plan is designed on the assumption that a student tests into College Algebra on the PPL Math Placement Exam; students have the opportunity to review and retest on the PPL Math Placement Exam.  Students wishing to accelerate their semester plans should speak with an academic advisor.  

This sample plan is designed with roughly 30 credits per year.  Students can meet the Second Language requirement by demonstrating fourth semester proficiency through examination or taking any of a variety of second semester language courses.  Each student needs to meet a minimum of 120 total credits.  Please consult with your Advisement Report and your academic advisor. Please consult with your Advisement Report and your academic advisor.

* Eller Economics Foundation Courses: Required to apply for Advanced Standing into the professional program. Advanced Standing is required in order to take all 300 and 400-level Economics courses.