Economics Major: Money and Financial Markets Option (B.A.)

The Option in Money and Financial Markets (B.A. degree) explores the complex and interdependent nature of money and financial markets. Students will develop institutional knowledge and analytical skills to understand the role of the financial system in society, fluctuations and risk in asset markets, including those for bonds, stocks, and currency, and how financial derivatives, such as futures, options, and swaps contracts, can be used to hedge risk. Students will also study the conduct and implications of monetary policy, exploring the merits of quantitative easing, macroprudential policy aimed at reducing systemic risk, and other key issues involving the role of the state in the financial system.

The option is designed for students wanting careers in the financial services sector, including commercial and investment banking, financial trading, security analysis, portfolio management, and financial advising, and in the government sector, especially at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the U.S. departments of Treasury, Commerce, and State.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Economics majors must complete nine courses in economics plus ADMN 510 with a grade of at least C- (1.67) in each Paul College major course and an average grade of 2.0 or better in major courses.

Coursework in accounting is recommended but not required. B.A. economics majors may choose to focus their major electives to satisfy the requirements of one of the three options defined by the Department of Economics.

¹

Course satisfied the capstone requirement of the University Discovery Program.

²

Specific electives for the BA Options must be chosen from an approved list of courses.

³

Note: some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the option requirements.

⁴

Satisfies the requirement of the option, but does not count toward the four-elective requirement of the economics B.A. degree.

Sample Degree Plan

¹

Students can explore a second option, second major, minor, or general electives.

²

Students can use three ECON elective courses to satisfy both the Money and Financial Markets option and the Economics Elective requirement for the core major required courses.  

• Students have core proficiency in  microeconomics. They understand key concepts including opportunity cost, marginal analysis, voluntary exchange, diminishing marginal returns, equilibrium and market structure.
• Students have core proficiency in macroeconomics. They understand key concepts including GDP, inflation, interest rates, business cycles, exchange rates, financial institutions and fiscal and monetary policy.
• Students have strong oral communication skills. This includes fundamental skills in preparing and delivering presentations, as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.
• Students are able to use economic models to understand real-world issues relevant to business, public policy and society.
• Students are able to communicate economic concepts clearly in writing. This involves having strong fundamental writing skills as well as being able to explain technical material clearly and concisely.