Yes, under certain conditions. To find out more, see Advanced Placement Waivers.
Please see Credit for External Courses for details.
The Economics Department does not give credit for internships.
For inquiries about internships, go to the College of Arts & Sciences Internships page or consult the College Office, 120 Cohen Hall on how to proceed.
Yes, there are. But they are not as plentiful as in other disciplines, e.g. the natural sciences.
Some of the advanced 4000-level (formerly 200-level) courses require students to write research-style term papers. In particular, as part of the year-long ECON 4900 Honors course (formerly ECON 300) students are required to write a thesis which typically involves an empirical analysis. Students formulate their own research questions, gather data, conduct an econometric analysis, and write a research paper summarizing the results.
Some faculty members hire undergraduate students as research assistants. Since the days when journal articles needed to be photocopied in the library have long passed, most of the RA assignments involve the collection and/or analysis of economic data. Thus, a background in statistical analysis and computer programming is very useful. Empirical analysis in economics often utilizes software packages such as EVIEWS, GAUSS, MATLAB, R, or STATA. Some projects involve coding in FORTRAN or C. Doing well in an advanced course taught by a professor increases your chances of getting hired as RA by that person.
Since many faculty teach a large number of students, it is advisable to obtain a letter of recommendation soon after a course has been taken with that faculty member to be kept on file in the Career Services Office.
Students considering attending graduate school in economics after completing ECON 0100-2300 (formerly 001-103) should see the Undergraduate Chair or the Associate Undergraduate Chair. They will help the student to design a program of courses and outside studies and will guide the student through the process of applying to graduate programs.
For students who are considering a Ph.D. program in Economics, the acquisition of a good background in mathematics can enhance their ability to gain admission into a good Ph.D. program in economics with financial support, and once in a program, to advance quickly without unnecessary pains. Hence, to prepare for graduate school consider pursuing the Mathematical Economics Major rather than the Economics Major.
In general, mathematical maturity and knowledge is extremely important for graduate studies in economics. Mathematics courses like MATH 3600 (formerly 360) and 3610 (formerly 361) (Advanced Calculus) are an ideal preparation. In addition, courses in linear algebra (e.g. MATH 3700 [formerly 370]) and one probability theory course (e.g. STAT 4300 [formerly 430]) are strongly advised. MATH 5080 (formerly 508) and 5090 (formerly 509) (Advanced Analysis) cover, at a more advanced level, the same material as MATH 3600 and 3610 and are even better preparation for graduate study in economics.
Students should take ECON 0100-2310 (formerly 001-104), preferably honors sections (if offered). (Students with Advanced Placement waivers in Economics 0100 and 0200 may proceed directly to ECON 2100 and 2200.) To enhance their training in micro theory beyond ECON 2100, students should take ECON 4101 (formerly 212) (game theory), and ECON 6100 (formerly 681) and 6110 (formerly 682).