Academic Advising
Department of Economics and Business

This page presents advice for students interested in Economics and Business at Kalamazoo College.

These pages may also be helpful:
Course Requirements for Majors and Minors in Economics and Business
Course Descriptions Economics and Business

First Year
 

The first year of college is a time to explore major fields.  The initial courses in our department are Principles of Microeconomics (ECO 105) and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECO 106).  These courses are appropriate for any student interested in a broad overview of economics; they also serve to introduce the field to potential majors.  We also offer two classes that introduce business concepts (Eco 110, Eco 115); these are not required for the major.

The other course we recommend for First year students is Calculus I (MATH 112) or Quantitative Methods I (ECO 205).  Students considering graduate school in economics should continue the calculus sequence through Calc II and Calc III. (Math 113, Math 214)

Students specifically interested in business should consider taking Accounting (ECO 210) in the Spring quarter of their first year, or Fall quarter of their Sophomore year.

Students should balance their schedule with a variety of other courses.  These classes could include other social sciences, additional math classes, languages, literature or creative expression courses, cultures courses, other distributional requirements, or electives.  Students should explore other possible majors.

See also this general advice from First Year Students

Sophomore Year
 

The second year of college is the time to choose a major.  Students should start the core sequence for their major.  In economics and business, these courses are Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 305), Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECO 306), and Quantitative Methods II (ECO 206).  Students who have difficulty in these core classes should consider majoring in another field.  Majors may also want to take one, or more, electives in the department.  All Kalamazoo College students need to declare a major by the end of their Sophomore year.

Students planning a graduate degree in economics should take linear algebra (Math 240).

Students should also take classes that fulfill distributional requirements.

Majors who did not take Calculus or Quant I during their first year need to complete this requirement during their sophomore year or they will be unable to finish the core classes and study abroad.

Sophomore year is a time to focus on Study Abroad options.  Most K students participate in this program, either in the Spring of their Sophomore year, or Fall-Winter of their Junior year.  Find out about language and GPA requirements early from the Center for International Programs .

Students can chose to complete a Career Development internship during the summer of their sophomore year.  An early start will provide the most internship opportunities.  The Career Development  can help with search strategies.

Study Abroad is a wonderful opportunity to expand your interests and knowledge.  You should plan to take advantage of course offerings special to that location and institution.  These courses tend to count as K electives. If you are interested in counting a course from study abroad in as part of the economics major, you will need to get approval by the Department.  (Contact the Department chair.)

The major requirements are structured so students can participate in long term study abroad without counting any foreign study classes towards the major.  While some students use study abroad courses as economics electives, we strongly discourage students from planning to transfer core requirements.

Junior Year
 

This is a time to complete the core requirements for the major and to schedule desired electives.
Juniors who have successfully completed the core classes (ECO 105, 106, 206, 305, 306) may take Comprehensive exams at the beginning of Spring quarter.

It is also a time to start planning the SIP .  SIP contracts are due at registration, Spring Quarter.  Students who will be overseas during the Fall and Winter, may need to plan their SIP farther in advance.  Don't wait until Spring quarter to start looking for a SIP internship.  Again the CDC , can help devise a search.

Students should review their area of study and cultures classes to ensure they will complete all College distribution requirements.

Senior Year
 

Seniors will complete their SIP during Fall or Winter quarter, depending on their SIP option.  They also need to successfully complete the five core classes (ECO 105, 106, 206, 305, 306) by the end of Winter quarter. Comprehensive Exams will be given early in Spring quarter.  All majors are required to pass these exams in order to graduate.

Seniors also take a Senior Seminar.  These are offered on a variety of topics each quarter.  Seniors need to finish any electives in the major, as well as all College graduation requirements.

Seniors need to look ahead to life after K.  Our majors place very well in careers and in graduate programs , but planning needs to start early.  Starting a job search in the Fall quarter gives more opportunities than searches that start later in the Senior year.  Most graduate school applications will also be due during Fall quarter.

Department of Economics and Business