Department of Economics at Illinois State University Department of Economics at Illinois State University Department of Economics at Illinois State University

Hypothetical Plans of Study

First-Year Students: One- and Four-Year Plans

In the case of first-year students, the decision of what to take and when is driven primarily by how the student performs on the Math Placement Exam. Ultimately, economics majors need to complete MAT 121 (or MAT 145). MAT 120 is a prerequisite for 121 and MAT 119 is a prerequisite for 120. If a student's math skills are weak, he/she must complete MAT 104 before proceeding to MAT 119.

Hypothetical first-year schedules

Option 1: Student places into MAT 119

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 103
COM 110 or ENG 101
ENG 101 or COM 110
Science inner core
Science inner core
MAT 120
MAT 119
ECO 105
Elective**
 
 
Total Hours: 15
Total Hours: 14

 

Option 2: Student places into MAT 120

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 103
ENG 101 or COM 110
ENG 101 or COM 110
Science inner core
Science inner core
MAT 121
MAT 120
ECO 105
 
Elective**
 
 
Total Hours: 13
Total Hours: 17

 

Option 3: Student places into MAT 121

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 103
COM 110 or ENG 101
ENG 101 or COM 110
Science inner core
Science inner core
ECO 138
MAT 121
ECO 105
Elective**
 
 
Total Hours: 13
Total Hours: 16

 

** Assuming the student has completed ENG 101, ENG 249 would be an excellent elective in the second semester. ACC 131 and ACC 132 are also excellent choices if the students want to minor in Business Administration (strongly recommended).

Hypothetical four-year schedule

This schedule assumes the student declares Economics as his/her major when enrolling at ISU and places into MAT 119. Electives should consist primarily of additional economics electives and business courses, e.g., ACC 131 and 132, MKT 230, MQM 220, FIL 185 and FIL 240. ENG 249 is also strongly recommended.

Year 1

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 103
COM 110 or ENG 101
ENG 101 or COM 110
Science inner core
Science inner core
MAT 120 (also math inner core)
MAT 119
ECO 105
Elective**
 
 
Total Hours: 15
Total Hours: 14

 

Year 2

First Semester

Second Semester
MAT 121
ECO 2xx
ECO 138
ACC 132
ACC 131
ENG 249
Middle Core
Middle Core
Elective
Middle Core
 
 
Total Hours: 16
Total Hours: 15

 

Year 3

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 240
ECO 241
ECO 238
ECO 2xx
MKT 230
MQM 220
Outer Core 1 (200 level)
Outer Core 3 (200 level)
Outer Core 2 (200 level)
Outer Core 4 (200 level)
   
 
 
Total Hours: 15
Total Hours: 15

 

Year 4

First Semester

Second Semester
ECO 3xx
FIL 240
ECO 300
Elective
ECO 2xx
Elective
FIL 185
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
 
Total Hours: 16
Total Hours: 15

 

TOTAL HOURS: 121

*Note: By completing ECO 240 and 241 during the third year, a student has the choice of completing the capstone, i.e., ECO 300, in either semester of year 4.