Economics and Finance

• LOS 1:  Build a solid understanding of and knowledge base in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and finance.
• LOS 2:  Develop critical-thinking skills and learn to apply economic analysis in order to understand economic events and everyday problems.
• LOS 3:  Learn how to use empirical evidence to evaluate economic problems and theories, as well as strategic business and policy proposals.
• LOS 4:  Master research methods in the field and develop the ability to gather research data, conduct basic statistical analysis, and interpret results.
• LOS 5:  Receive adequate training in mathematical methods to develop problem-solving skills, perform proofs, and prepare for further graduate studies in the areas of economics and finance.
• LOS 6:  Master solid communication skills in order to formulate a well-organized argument and communicate effectively in written, spoken, and graphical form about specific economic and financial issues.
• LOS 7:  Gain awareness of the CFA Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University.

B. Additional Requirements (Prerequisites) for the Economics and Finance Major

• CS 160 Programming Concepts and Applications
• MA 197 Pre-Calculus
• MA 198 Calculus I
• MA 208 Statistics I
• ACCT 201 Financial Accounting
• ACCT 202 Managerial Accounting
• EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics
• EC 202 Principles of Macroeconomics

C. Core Courses

• EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
• EC 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics or EC 316 International Economics
• MA 209 Statistics II
• EC 360 Econometrics
• EC/MKT 361 Applied Data Analytics or EC 369 Applied Economics
• FIN 301 Finance
• EC 350 History of Economic Thought or ETH/BUS 301 Business Ethics
• FIN 372 Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
• EC 480 Research Seminar in Economics and Finance

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses required for the major.

D. Major Electives
Five major electives are required. At least three must be chosen from 300-level or higher EC, FIN, MA, or 200-level or higher CS courses (MA 298 can also be used as one of these three courses). Up to two major electives can be 200-level or higher courses in BUS, MKT, MGT, LAW, PL, PS, and SOSC.

More specifically: 

• Students interested in graduate school in economics or in finance subfields such as quantitative/computational, mathematical finance, asset pricing, portfolio management, or risk analysis should consider pursuing a minor in Mathematics and taking EC 302, EC 369, MA 298, MA 491, MA 492, or MA 497. It is also advisable to take CS 320, EC 327, and EC 328.
• Students interested in data analysis should consider taking EC/MKT 361 and EC 369 as well as MA 298, MA 491, and CS 320.
• Students interested in supply chain management/logistics or in earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree should consider taking EC/MKT 361, MGT 301, MGT 330, MGT 335, MGT 338, CS 230, BUS/EC 336, EC 310.
• Students interested in the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation awarded by the CFA Institute or graduate studies in corporate or international finance or business management should consider taking EC 316,  FIN 331, FIN 312, FIN 330, FIN 340, FIN 350, and FIN 360.
  • Please note: Scholarships are available for qualified degree-seeking and visiting students taking the Level I exam. Interested students may refer to the CFA Institute or contact Dr. Mary Merva, CFA.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance at John Cabot University participates in the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program (UAP). This status is granted to institutions that embed a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge™ (CBOK) into their curriculum. For further information, contact Dr. Mary Merva, CFA.

The Major in Economics and Finance is designed to give students a solid base in the theoretical, quantitative, and analytical skills necessary to pursue further study and careers in the areas that require a solid background in economics and finance. Through appropriate choices of major electives, students can further develop their expertise in finance, economics, law, international affairs, marketing, and management. The major features a senior seminar that strengthens students’ ability to undertake research, work with empirical information, communicate their knowledge effectively via position and policy papers, and become aware of the CFA Institutes’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. In addition, following the University’s liberal arts tradition, students undertake study on the history of economic thought or business ethics to develop an understanding of the power of ideas that shape economic opinions and policy.

Requirements Pre-Fall 2022

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University.

B. Additional Requirements (Prerequisites) for the Economics and Finance Major

• CS 110 Microcomputer Applications(this course will be replaced with CS 160 for students matriculated in Fall 2021.  Current students can choose between CS 110 and CS 160)
• MA 197 Pre-Calculus
• MA 198 Calculus I
• MA 208 Statistics I
• FIN 201 Financial Accounting
• FIN 202 Managerial Accounting
• EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics
• EC 202 Principles of Macroeconomics

C. Core Courses

• EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
• EC 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics
• MA 209 Statistics II
• EC 360 Econometrics
• FIN 301 Finance
• EC 316 International Economics
• EC 350 History of Economic Thought or BUS 301 Business Ethics
• EC 372 Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
• EC 480 Senior Seminar in Economics and Finance

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses required for the major.

D. Major Electives
Six courses from CS, EC, FIN, BUS, MKT, MGT, LAW, MA, PL, PS, of which at least three must be at the 300 level or higher in EC or FIN. Courses at the 100-level do not qualify as major electives. Students should consult with their advisor regarding the major electives most appropriate for their interests and future career or academic plans.

E. Major Electives for students preparing for the Level I exam for the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation awarded by the CFA Institute or in a Finance Track:
Suggested courses for students in this track are the 300-level Finance courses such as FIN 312 Investment Analysis, FIN 330 International Finance, FIN 340 Introduction to Derivatives, FIN 350 Fixed Income Analysis, and FIN 360 Mergers and Acquisitions. Please see the CFA Institute’s web site for further information on the CFA program: www.cfainstitute.org.

A limited number of scholarships are available for the Level I exam for qualified degree-seeking and visiting students; interested students should refer to the CFA or contact Dr. Mary Merva, CFA, [email protected].

Major Electives for Graduate School Track in Economics and Finance:
Suggested courses for students planning to pursue graduate studies in economics and finance include: MA 299 Calculus II, EC 491 Mathematical Economics, MA 491 Linear Algebra, MA 492 Mathematical Statistics, MA 493 Stochastic Calculus for Finance, and EC 490 Advanced Financial Economics.

Explore need-based Assistance Grants, merit-based Presidential Scholarships, and other financial aid available to you as a JCU student.

Financial Aid and Scholarships