The Economics Department has revised the major entry and completion rules for students who enter Wesleyan in 2026 onwards.
First, there is no AP bypass. All students must begin their economics coursework at Wesleyan with Econ 101 or 110. The supply of seats for students in Econ 110 is limited, and students should always select multiple sections to maximize the likelihood of entry.
Second, the pre-requisite for Econ 110 is unchanged in the 2026-27 academic year. However, it will be different for all students who enter the course in fall 2027 onwards – even if they had tried to get into the course in the 26-27 year. The requirement will be a MATH class numbered 120 or higher, a score of 4 or higher in AP Calculus (AB or BC), or by receiving a 5 or higher on the IB Higher Math test. (That is, Econ 102 or the math placement test will not be acceptable means of filling the pre-requisite as of fall 2027.)
Third, the revised major entry rules are:
1. Introduction to Economic Theory (ECON110). The prerequisite for ECON110 is calculus. Through 2026-27: the calculus requirement can be fulfilled by completing ECON102, MATH120, or MATH121, a score of 4 or higher in AP Calculus (AB or BC), by receiving a 5 or higher on the IB Higher Math test, or by placing into MATH122 or higher according to the Wesleyan Math Placement test. From fall 2027: the calculus requirement can be fulfilled by completing a MATH class numbered 120 or higher, a score of 4 or higher in AP Calculus (AB or BC), or by receiving a 5 or higher on the IB Higher Math test.
2. At least one of the three core theory courses – Microeconomic Theory (ECON301), Macroeconomic Theory (ECON302), and Introduction to Econometrics (ECON303). Both ECON301 and ECON302 must be completed prior to enrollment in ECON303. ECON302 has a probability and statistics pre-requisite.
3. At least three courses, with at least two numbered 200 or higher, with grades of B- or higher in at least two core courses (ECON110, ECON301, ECON302, ECON303).
4. General Education Stage 1 expectations.
5. Overall Wesleyan GPA of 85.0 or better.
No student may enter the major after sophomore year.
Fourth, for students who plan ahead(!):
1. Majors must complete all core courses (ECON110, ECON301, ECON302, ECON303) with passing grades by the end of junior year.
2. Majors must complete at least 5 letter-graded economics courses by the end of junior year.
3. Elective courses in economics taken at another institution may transfer to Wesleyan as 100-level credits towards graduation only, with limited exceptions subject to the department chair’s approval. Exceptions are likely to be made only for academic year courses (not summer courses) at the London School of Economics, Oxford, and Cambridge.
4. Students cannot count more than one course towards this major that is also counted towards completion of any of their other majors, minors, or certificates.
5. Majors must maintain an overall Wesleyan GPA of 85.0 or better.
6. Majors must also complete General Education Stage 2 expectations to complete the major.