Change of Major (Spring 2026)

Summary

This online information session from the University of Maryland's Department of Economics provides an overview of academic advising, major requirements, and policies. It outlines the two advising levels, the BA and BS Economics tracks, and the courses required for each. Key points include the importance of meeting advising at least once a semester, understanding course prerequisites, and ensuring timely registration. The session also highlights career resources, experiential learning options, and guidance for students pursuing graduate degrees or professional careers in economics. Students are encouraged to explore advising resources and career opportunities on the department's website.

Takeaways

• 😀 Advising is available at two levels: the Bauce Feller Center (general education and university policies) and the Econ Advising Office (major-specific advice).
• 😀 It's not mandatory to meet with an adviser, but it's recommended to meet at least once a semester to stay on track with graduation requirements.
• 😀 You can contact Econ advisers via email (econumd.edu), phone, drop-in hours, or scheduled appointments. Always check the website for updates.
• 😀 The University of Maryland offers two economics majors: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), each with a different focus and math requirements.
• 😀 The BA is more applied, preparing students for graduate studies in fields like business or public policy, while the BS is more quantitative, ideal for students aiming for a PhD or working in data-heavy fields.
• 😀 Both BA and BS majors require completion of benchmark courses: ECON 200 (Microeconomics) and ECON 201 (Macroeconomics), with specific math courses based on the track.
• 😀 For BA students, experiential learning is a requirement, which can be fulfilled through internships, career prep courses, or additional 300/400-level courses.
• 😀 BS students need to take ECON 422 (Econometrics) and are encouraged to consider advanced econometrics courses (like ECON 423) for PhD or data analytics paths.
• 😀 ECON courses are sequential, so students need to complete prerequisites before registering for advanced courses. Prerequisites are checked during registration, and students will be dropped if they don’t meet them.
• 😀 Students can register for a maximum of three ECON courses per semester, and access to certain courses may be limited depending on resources and demand.

Q & A

What are the two levels of advising at the University of Maryland's College of Behavioral and Social Sciences?

The two levels of advising are the college-level advising at the Bauce Feller Center for Advising and Career Planning, and the departmental-level advising at the Economics advising office.

Is advising mandatory for Economics majors at the University of Maryland?

Advising is not mandatory for Economics majors, but it is recommended that students meet with an advisor at least once per semester, especially around registration time, to ensure they are on track with graduation requirements.

How can students contact Economics advisors at the University of Maryland?

Students can contact Economics advisors via email (econumd.edu), phone, drop-in hours, or by scheduling an appointment. The fastest way to reach an advisor is through email.

What are the two types of undergraduate Economics majors offered at the University of Maryland?

The two types of undergraduate Economics majors are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS).

What is the main difference between the BA and BS Economics majors?

The BA Economics major focuses on interpreting economic analysis and applying it to areas like business, public policy, and government. The BS Economics major, on the other hand, emphasizes producing economic analysis with a stronger focus on quantitative skills, including more math requirements.

What are the benchmark requirements for Economics majors at the University of Maryland?

The benchmark requirements for all Economics majors include completing ECON 200 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 201 (Principles of Macroeconomics) within two semesters of declaring the major, along with specific math courses depending on the major track.

How can students fulfill the experiential learning requirement for the BA Economics major?

Students in the BA Economics major can fulfill the experiential learning requirement by securing an Economics-related internship (through ECON 386), taking experiential learning courses like career prep for Econ majors, or completing an additional 300 or 400-level course of choice.

What should students keep in mind when planning their Economics coursework at the University of Maryland?

Students should be aware that they are allowed to register for a maximum of three Economics courses per semester, that courses build sequentially and should be taken in the appropriate order, and that prerequisites for advanced courses must be met before registering.

What are the course registration policies for Economics students at the University of Maryland?

Economics students must check the prerequisites for courses before registering, as the system will not block registration for courses without prerequisites. Additionally, students can be administratively dropped from a course if they do not meet the prerequisites. Courses may fill up quickly, so it's important to register early.

Can students in the BS Economics major take BA Economics courses at the University of Maryland?

Yes, students in the BS Economics major can request permission to take up to two BA Economics courses per semester, but access is not guaranteed and depends on resource availability and demand.