BS in Economics
The Bachelor of Science in Economics degree provides a strong foundation in economic theory, mathematics, and statistics. The program requirements include introductory and intermediate level theory courses as well as elective courses on a range of topics in economics.
Compared with the BA in Economics degree, the BS curriculum requires an additional calculus course, plus courses in related STEM fields, as well as econometrics and more advanced economics electives. The BS degree prepares students for graduate programs in economics or careers that require sophisticated quantitative analysis.
"I chose economics because I wanted to better understand global financial challenges and at GW I’ve been able to intern at the Treasury and meet policymakers like Janet Yellen and Kevin Warsh."
Ria Saxena
BS '26, Economics and Finance
Recommended BS Course Schedules
Students with AP Calculus credit or those who placed above MATH 1231 may move through the required MATH and STAT courses at a faster pace than this schedule indicates.
- Recommended Schedule: ALEKS Scores of 61+
Students with AP Calculus or Stats credit can move through the required math and stat courses at a faster pace than recommended below.
- Freshman year: ECON 1011, ECON 1012, STAT 1111/1053/1051, MATH 1221/1231
- Sophomore year: ECON 2101/2103, ECON 2102/2104, MATH 1232, two ECON electives and/or one required STEM elective
- Junior year: ECON 2123, two econ electives and/or one required STEM elective
- Senior year: Remaining econ electives and/or other remaining non-ECON electives, ECON 4198W
- Recommended Schedule: ALEKS Scores Below 61
Students with ALEKS scores below 61 may find the Bachelor of Arts track a better fit.
- Freshman year: ECON 1001, ECON 1011, STAT 1111/1053/1051 and MATH 1221/1231 (or any other pre-requisites needed for enrollment into these STAT and MATH courses)
- Sophomore year: ECON 1012, ECON 2101/2103, MATH 1232, one ECON elective, and/or one required STEM elective
- Junior year: ECON 2102/2104, ECON 2123, two ECON electives, and/or one required STEM elective
- Senior year: Remaining ECON electives and/or required STEM electives, ECON 4198W
- Important Notes for All Students
- Students are encouraged to complete the two principles classes (ECON 1011 and ECON 1012) plus the intro stats (STAT 1111/1053/1051) and Calculus I (MATH 1221/1231) classes no later than the first semester of their sophomore year so that they are fully prepared for entry into the economics major.
- We recommend that students take intermediate micro prior to taking intermediate macro as it will enhance students’ understanding of the macro material.
- Intermediate micro and macro as well as econometrics and three ECON electives are pre-requisites for the capstone proseminar course (ECON 4198W). Students will not be allowed to enroll in proseminar until they have completed these pre-requisites. It is therefore imperative to plan ahead and finish these pre-requisite courses by the end of the first semester of senior year.
- We strongly recommend completing all ECON BS major requirements prior to enrolling in ECON 4198W. Materials covered in the required major classes will be extremely helpful to students in completing their research projects in the proseminar course.
- For students wishing to study abroad in their junior year, you are encouraged to only transfer back ECON electives courses. We recommend taking the core theory classes (ECON 2101/2103, 2102/2104, 2123) at GW
Degree Comparisons