Undergraduate Pre-Economics/
FOUNDATIONAL ECONOMICS Major
Your first step toward your future in economics.
The Pre-Economics/Foundational Economics major provides foundational courses and explores professional development opportunities.
Pre-Economics/Foundational Economics students must apply to enter the upper-division BA Economics program, and are also required to complete a minor.
Pre-Economics/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 Pre-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 Pre-Economics/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.
Pre-Economics/Foundational Economics Advising and Professional Development
Every Eller Pre-Economics/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.
Pre-Economics/Foundational Economics Sample Coursework Plans
How your Eller Pre-Economics or 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| BNAD 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 |
| 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 |
| Total |
14 |
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| We highly recommend that students participate in a study abroad and career-related experience. | |
* Eller Pre-Economics/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.
This sample plan is designed with 14-16 credits per semester, and it may be necessary for a student to complete remaining General Education courses in their final two years. The Second Language requirement has multiple ways to be completed in the advised sequence above. Students can meet this requirement by demonstrating fourth semester proficiency through examination or taking any of a variety of fourth semester language courses. Each student needs to meet a minimum of 120 total credits. Please consult with your Advisement Report and your academic advisor.
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 Students are limited to 13 total credits at the beginning of the first semester to allow them the necessary time to focus on math abilities. 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Total |
16 |
| 2nd Semester | |
|---|---|
| Course |
Units |
| BNAD 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 |
| 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 |
| Total |
14 |
Students have the opportunity to review and retest on the ALEKS 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 Pre-Economics/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.