Applied Economics - BS

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College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department of Applied Economics

About This Degree

The Applied Economics major emphasizes the development of quantitative skills in and a deeper understanding of economic theory, with practical applications to societal problems. The degree is designed with flexibility for students to specialize in energy, law and policy, water and natural resources, environmental management, or quantitative analysis. While this program provides a solid base for individuals desirous of careers in the public or private sector, it is also an excellent preparation for graduate studies in economics, agricultural economics, natural resources, business, or law. The Applied Economics degree provides an excellent background for work in federal, state, and local government, as well as in the private sector. Graduates of this program are now working in positions involving the analysis of prices and markets, preparation of economic feasibility studies, and preparing economic forecasts.

For more information about Applied Economics, see the website.
Admitted and current students must meet with an advisor.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
The highest math requirement for this degree is STAT 2000 - Statistical Methods (QI) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen: Admitted to USU in Good Standing
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU: 2.5 GPA

Additional Information

To graduate with a major in Applied Economics, a student must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Note: The regular calculus series (MATH 1210 and MATH 1220 ) is recommended for students contemplating graduate studies in economics.

Several of the required courses listed for this major will meet general education and university studies requirements. For more detailed information about courses and the recommended sequence for taking them, see the APEC academic advisor in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Student Services Center, Lisa Allen (lisa.allen@usu.edu, 435-797-0454).

Required Courses (67-68 credits)

All courses required for the Applied Economics major should be taken for a letter grade. Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for all courses taken to complete major requirements.

APEC 2010 - Introduction to Microeconomics (BSS) 3 credit(s) or
ECN 2010 - Introduction to Microeconomics (BSS) 3 credit(s)
APEC 2900 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Law 3 credit(s) or
BUSN 2050 - Business Law 3 credit(s)
ACCT 2010 - Financial Accounting Principles 3 credit(s)
APEC 1600 - Natural Resources and American Economic Institutions (BAI) 3 credit(s)
APEC 2500 - Commodity Futures and Options Trading and Analysis 3 credit(s)
APEC 3012 - Introduction to Natural Resource Economics (DSS) 3 credit(s)
APEC 3310 - Analytical Methods in Applied Economics (QI) 3 credit(s)
APEC 4010 - Intermediate Microeconomics 3 credit(s)
APEC 5015 - Applied Economics for Decision Making (QI) 3 credit(s)
APEC 5330 - Applied Econometrics (QI) 3 credit(s)
APEC 5560 - Natural Resource and Environmental Economics 3 credit(s)
APEC 5950 - Applied Economics Policy Analysis 3 credit(s)
MATH 1050 - College Algebra (QL) 4 credit(s)
USU 1010 - University Connections 2 credit(s)
STAT 2000 - Statistical Methods (QI) 4 credit(s)
ASTE 3050 - Technical and Professional Communication Principles (CI) 3 credit(s) or
BUS 3200 - Business Communication (CI) 3 credit(s) or
ENGR 3080 - Technical Communication for Engineers (CI) 3 credit(s)
GEOG 2800 - Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences 4 credit(s) or
LAEP 3300 - GIS for Environmental Planning 4 credit(s)
MATH 1100 - Calculus Techniques (QL) 3 credit(s) or
MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 credit(s)
And 9 additional credits of courses with the APEC, ECN, or FIN prefix in the 3000-5000 level.

Suggested Areas of Specialization

The B.S. Applied Economics degree is designed with several free elective courses. Below are some suggested areas of specialization that would complement the degree and give students some very marketable skill sets. It is suggested that students take a minimum of four courses from an area to achieve an adequate level of competency. There are also minors that can be obtained in most of these areas. Students should check with their advisor for a list of minors that would also be complementary to the Applied Economics degree and to these areas of specializations.

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your  Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

Suggested Degree Map - Applied Economics, BS

Applied Economics, BS - 4 Year Degree Map