About the Economics Minor
Pursuing an Economics minor provides students with a powerful framework for understanding how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions in a world of scarcity and trade-offs. Economics offers practical tools for analyzing real-world issues such as inflation, unemployment, inequality, climate policy, financial markets, and global development. The Economics minor is especially valuable for students majoring in fields such as psychology, political science, sociology, public health, environmental science, engineering, and the humanities. By adding an Economics minor, students gain analytical and quantitative skills that complement their primary field of study and strengthen their ability to evaluate evidence, interpret data, and make informed decisions.
What are the benefits of earning an Economics Minor?
- Learn how decisions are made under constraints. Economics trains students to think about trade-offs, incentives, and unintended consequences. These skills are essential in business, policy, and everyday decision-making.
- Develop strong analytical and quantitative reasoning skills. Students learn how to interpret data, evaluate evidence, and apply statistical and economic models to real-world problems.
- Understand markets, institutions, and public policy. An Economics minor helps students analyze how markets function, why they sometimes fail, and how government policies can improve (or worsen) economic outcomes.
- Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Economics emphasizes structured thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to break complex problems into manageable components.
- Gain skills valued by employers across industries. Employers consistently rank economics-related skills (i.e. data analysis, forecasting, and strategic thinking) among the most desirable in fields such as finance, consulting, public administration, law, health care, and technology.
- Learn to connect theory to real-world applications.
Economics courses emphasize applying concepts to current events and policy debates, helping students understand how economic forces shape local, national, and global issues.
How long does it take to complete?
You can complete the entire Economics Minor in just two summers. Alternatively, students may choose to complete some courses during the summer and others during the regular academic year. Summer offerings are structured to ensure that students can make steady progress through the minor without delaying graduation.
Coursework – How it works!
SUMMER SESSION: Year 1
In the first summer, students will complete the lower-division requirements and may begin upper-division coursework.
Session A
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ECON 001 – Introduction to Economics
Session B
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ECON 010 – Statistical Inference
Session C
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One upper-division ECON course (as prerequisites allow)
All upper-division Economics courses require successful completion of ECON 001. Some upper-division courses may also require ECON 010.
SUMMER SESSION: Year 2
In the second summer, students will complete the remaining upper-division Economics courses required for the minor.
Students typically enroll in:
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Two to three upper-division ECON courses, depending on prior coursework and scheduling preferences.
This structure allows students to complete the 16 upper-division units required for the Economics minor by the end of the second summer.
Declaring the Minor
Students are encouraged to declare the Economics minor as early as possible. The general criteria for minor declaration is available on the SSHA Advising website, including links to the required form. If you have questions about declaring the Economics minor, please contact ssha.advising@ucmered.edu.
FAQ
What courses are planned to be offered in Summer Session?
Based on the current Summer 2026 schedule, the following Economics courses are planned to be offered:
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Lower Division: ECON 001, ECON 005, ECON 006A, ECON 007, ECON 010
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Upper Division: ECON 100, ECON 101, ECON 105, ECON 108, ECON 110, ECON 121, ECON 126, ECON 140, ECON 153, ECON 163A, ECON 163B, ECON 172
Additional upper-division Economics courses may be offered, subject to faculty availability. Economics typically offers a broad range of upper-division courses each summer, allowing students flexibility in completing the minor.
Do you need any prerequisites before you begin the Economics Minor during Summer Session?
Prior to enrolling in upper-division Economics courses, students must successfully complete ECON 001: Introduction to Economics. Some upper-division courses also require ECON 010: Statistical Inference or other prerequisites such as ECON 100. Students who have not completed ECON 001 or ECON 010 before Summer Session C in Year 1 should consult with an advisor to discuss strategies for completing the minor within two summers.
Which upper-division Economics courses have minimal prerequisites?
Several upper-division Economics courses are designed to be accessible early in the minor and have minimal prerequisite requirements, making it easier for students to begin upper-division coursework during their first summer.
Upper-division courses that require only ECON 001:
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ECON 108: Marketing & Consumer Behavior
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ECON 121: Money and Banking
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ECON 153: Judgment & Decision Making
Upper-division courses that require only ECON 001 and ECON 010:
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ECON 163A: Investments – Stocks and Bonds
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ECON 163B: Investments – Options & Derivatives
These courses are well-suited for students who are completing ECON 001 and ECON 010 during their first summer and want to begin making progress on upper-division requirements right away. Students are encouraged to review individual course prerequisites and consult with an advisor to ensure appropriate course sequencing.
Do you have to take all the classes during the summer?
No. Students may complete courses during the academic year as well. However, specific courses are guaranteed to be offered during Summer Session, making it possible to complete the Economics minor entirely over two summers.
Do you have to complete the minor if you start it?
No. Declaring or beginning the Economics minor does not obligate you to complete it. Students may decide at any point whether continuing the minor aligns with their academic and career goals.
