Undergraduate programs

Economics majors are advised to contact the department undergraduate advisor for assistance with planning an individualized program of study. Economics majors who are considering graduate school will need to tailor their undergraduate program for this purpose and should seek advice prior to the start of their junior year. It is strongly recommended that students interested in graduate school pursue a B.S. in Quantitative Economics.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Economics B.A./B.S.

Quantitative Economics BS

Economics Honors Program

Economics Minor

International Economics Minor

Political Economy Minor

Institutional Economics Undergraduate Certificate

Institutional Economics Undergraduate Certificate

Institutional Economics focuses on the relationship between economic outcomes and the evolving structure and organization of society. Students completing the Certificate in Institutional Economics will deepen their understanding of how institutions within the economy contribute to economics outcomes. The Certificate in Institutional Economics program welcomes the wisdom that (i) currently enrolled undergraduate students, (ii) postgraduate students, and (iii) members of the broader community bring to the classroom. For students who are majoring in Economics or Quantitative Economics, the certificate requires the completion of an additional 16 credits of approved elective courses (i.e. electives included in the Certificate in Institutional Economics do not count towards the Economics major.)

Required Courses

Ec 201Principles of Microeconomics

4

Ec 202Principles of Macroeconomics

4

Ec 460History of Economic Thought

4

Total Credit Hours:12

Elective Courses

Student may propose up to two alternative electives courses, inside or outside the Economics Department. Alternative electives will contribute contribute to the understanding of economic institutions and meet the educational and career goals of the student.

Elective Courses not Subject to Program Director Approval:

Ec 332UEconomics of Environmental Issues

4

Ec 345Marxist Political Economy

4

Ec 350UEconomics of Developing Countries

4

Ec 417Women in the Economy

4

Ec 419Economics of Race and Ethnicity

4

Ec 442The Multinational Enterprise in the World Economy

4

Ec 443/ESM 443Global Environmental Economics

4

Ec 445Comparative Economic Systems

4

Ec 446Institutional Economics

4

Ec 447Economics of Transition

4

Ec 448East Asian Economic Development

4

Ec 456American Economic History: the First Century

4

Ec 457American Economic History: the 20th Century

4

Ec 465Labor Economics

4

Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 28

Other Requirements:
  • 16 of the required 28 credits must be taken in residency with the Department of Economics at Portland State University. 
  • All courses must be taken for a grade (not P/NP), with a grade of C- or better.
  • Award of the Certificate in Institutional Economics requires a GPA in included courses of 2.00 or above.