Roadmap 2: Econ Core

Roadmap 2: Econ Core

Objective: Check off the core classes in the major as you complete them; map your elective courses. 

Step 1: Economics Core Classes

Step 2: Meet with Faculty

Step 3: Map Your Electives

This Roadmap appears deceptively quick to complete. There are only three steps, but they will be completed over the span of two or three years, beginning in your freshman or sophomore year. We encourage you to come back to this roadmap regularly to update your progress in the major. This is a great tool to help you track requirements and plan ahead!

To begin Roadmap 2: Econ Core, enter your information below then click "Next." At the bottom of each page, you'll see three buttons: "Back," "Save and Close," and "Next." The "Back" button will allow you to go back to a previous page. The "Save and Close" button will save your progress and allow you to return to the roadmap later by emailing you a personalized link. The "Next" button will take you to the next page in the roadmap.

On the last page, you will see a "Submit Roadmap" button. When you have completed all the steps in the Roadmap, please click that button. You will still be able to view and edit your responses later, but your roadmap will be marked as complete.

The core classes in the economics major are listed below. These classes are all required. Please take the time now to plan your enrollment in these classes over the next few semesters. You can also plan your classes on MyMap and with your own planning system such as the Economics Major Checklist.

Tips from the Economics Department:

1. Take Econ 378 and Econ 388 in consecutive semesters. This will minimize the possibility of forgetting important material in the earlier course that you need to build upon in the latter course.
2. We recommend that you likewise complete Econ 380 and 382 in consecutive semesters for the same reason.
3. Take Econ 210 as early as possible. It is a prerequisite for Econ 382.
4. Complete the 300-level courses as soon as possible. You will understand the concepts taught in your 400 and 500-level electives much better if you have a firm foundation of basic core concepts.
5. Please note that if you declared your econ major after the start of fall semester 2021, you will be required to take Econ 398: Applied Econometrics (formerly Econ 488) as part of your core curriculum. If you declared your econ major before fall 2021, you may use Econ 398/Econ 488 as an elective course.

For additional recommendations on the order of classes you should take, contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center.

Make an Appointment

There are several advantages to meeting with a BYU Economics professor on an individual basis. First, you can explain your specific interests to someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the field of economics. You can discuss career options and the courses that would best prepare you for certain fields. Second, these faculty members were once in your shoes, and they are in touch with the field of economics in the real world. They can help you learn how to leverage your skills in the workforce. They can also give you advice on graduate schools. And, although the purpose of this interview is not to find a job, professors often know about job opportunities and research opportunities you may be interested in, especially within the department.

View the full list of faculty members at economics.byu.edu/faculty. Clicking on a professor's name will take you to their profile page, where you can find individual contact information. It is usually best to reach out to professors you know from class or from work. Make sure to be polite and courteous in your email, and be respectful of your professor's time when you get to meet.

You may click "Save and Close" to allow you to come back to this step after completing it. After you have attended your appointment, come back here to take notes and reflect.

As you complete the core econ classes, you are preparing to take the 400-level classes (the elective classes in the major). Your elective classes can help you specialize your skills. You do not formally declare a career track during the economics program, but taking certain electives will help you to become familiar with specific fields. Listed below are some common career tracks for econ grads along with the recommended electives for each track.

To see more information about a career field, simply select it from the list below. Information regarding specific jobs and recommended electives will appear. Once you've looked through the options that seem most interesting to you, let us know which electives caught your eye. Doing so will be helpful to you whenever you register for classes, and your input will help the department adapt our course scheduling according to student interest.

Here is a link to the department website which showcases specific career fields related to economics, and which our alumni are thriving in.

You can keep a record of your intended electives by navigating to https://economics.byu.edu/advisement and downloading the Economics Major Checklist.

Next up is Roadmap 3: Econ Graduation Year, which is linked and outlined below.

Roadmap 3: Graduation Year

Objective: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses; prepare for graduation.

Step 1: Introduction to Econ Graduation Year

Step 2: Meet with Econ Faculty

Step 3: Apply for Graduation

Step 4: Graduation Appointment

Step 5: Finish Career Readiness Roadmap