• ECON 3040

    The Economics of Education
     Rating

    3.88

     Difficulty

    2.92

     GPA

    3.27

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Analyzes the demand for, and supply of, education in the United States, governmental policies regarding education, and proposed reforms. Prerequisite: ECON 2010.

  • ECON 4080

    Law and Economics
     Rating

    3.93

     Difficulty

    2.20

     GPA

    3.50

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Applies microeconomic theory to the analysis of legal rules and institutions. Includes the effect of economic forces on the development of law, and the effect of laws on the allocation of resources. Prerequisite: ECON 3010 or instructor permission.

  • ECON 3110

    Mathematical Microeconomics
     Rating

    3.97

     Difficulty

    4.29

     GPA

    3.46

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Covers the same topics as ECON 3010 using differential calculus through constrained maximization of functions of several variables. Credit is not given for both ECON 3010 and 3110. Prerequisite: ECON 2010 and two semesters of calculus.

  • ECON 2020

    Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics
     Rating

    4.06

     Difficulty

    3.02

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies the determinants of aggregate economic activity, the effects of monetary and fiscal policy upon national income, and economic policy toward unemployment and inflation. A full introduction to economic principles warrants completion of both ECON 2010 and 2020. Students planning to take both semesters of economic principles are advised to take ECON 2010 first, though this is not required. The department recommends ECON 2010 to students intending to take only one semester of principles.

  • ECON 7010

    Microeconomic Theory I
     Rating

    4.67

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.35

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies the theory of consumer and producer choice. Includes partial equilibrium analysis of competitive and imperfectly competitive markets. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.

  • ECON 4300

    Public Choice
     Rating

    4.89

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.56

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies politics using economic analysis. Topics include the theory of voting rules, regulation, taxation, and interest groups; the growth of government; and the design of constitutions. Prerequisite: ECON 3010.

  • ECON 1100

    Global Macroeconomic Issues
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.92

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    The goal is to provoke discussion, with differing viewpoints put forward, and lead students to analyze major economic problems as economists might do. The course will center upon resource-scarce issues: e.g. in a low-income country that provides little public education, what would you do first, and what would you do last? There will also be discussion about current global macroeconomic trends, including inflation, debt, and economic growth.

  • ECON 4990

    Distinguished Majors Seminar
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.88

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Required for Distinguished Majors. An introduction to economic research and the writing of a Distinguished Majors thesis. Although the course is intended for Distinguished Majors, other highly motivated and accomplished students may be admitted if space permits. Prerequisite: ECON 3010 or 3110; and either 3720 or 4720 or instructor permission.

  • ECON 4993

    Independent Study
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Independent study under the direction of a regular faculty member. Students may not use this class to obtain academic credit for a summer internship. Prerequisite: GPA of 3.300 in UVa ECON courses.

  • ECON 5090

    Introduction to Mathematical Economics I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.61

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies topics in univariate and multivariate calculus and linear algebra. Includes applications to the theory of economic statics. Prerequisite: One semester of calculus and one additional semester of college mathematics, or instructor permission.