Correlate Sequence in Economics

A correlate sequence in economics consists of a minimum of six units of ECON CLS work, including at least five units at the 200-level or above. The six units must include either ECON 200 or ECON 201, and at least one unit at the 300-level. At least four units must be taken at Vassar and a maximum of two may be taken using the NRO. ECON 120 cannot be included in a correlate sequence. While any of AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics (AP test score 4 or 5) or IB Economics (IB test score 5, 6, or 7) that appear on a student’s Vassar College transcript as College credits will be accepted as equivalent to ECON 102 for the satisfaction of prerequisite requirements, AP and IB courses cannot be used to satisfy correlate requirements.

A student considering a correlate sequence in economics should discuss their plans with a member of the department who will help them construct a coherent program of study correlated with their major. When the economics faculty member has approved the program of study, the student must complete the Declaration of Correlate Sequence form on the Registrar’s website so that the faculty member can become their correlate advisor and the approval formalized.

In planning a correlate sequence, students should be aware that not all courses are offered every year and so they ought to have some alternate courses in mind in the event that one of the six classes isn’t offered when they plan to take it.

The six courses should be chosen in accordance with the correlate requirements from the courses listed in the Vassar College Catalogue. Many possible correlates can be constructed from these courses. For example:

A Math & Stats major with an interest in finance and statistics might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 200 Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON 203 Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECON 225 Financial Markets and Investments
  • ECON 275 Money and Banking
  • ECON 389 Time Series Econometrics

An International Studies major with an interest in international trade and development might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 248 i>International Trade and the World Financial System
  • ECON 273 Development Economics
  • ECON 277 Economic History of the Americas
  • ECON 345 International Trade Theory and Policy

An International Studies major with an interest in international macroeconomics might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 200 Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON 248 International Trade and the World Financial System
  • ECON 271 Chinese Economy
  • ECON 277 Economic History of the Americas
  • ECON 346 International Macroeconomics

An International Studies major with an interest in development economics might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 248 International Trade and the World Financial System
  • ECON 273 Development Economics
  • ECON 277 Economic History of the Americas
  • ECON 388 Latin American Economic Development

An International Studies major with an interest in economic systems might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 200 Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON 248 International Trade and the World Financial System
  • ECON 273 Development Economics
  • ECON 277 Economic History of the Americas
  • ECON 367 Comparative Economics

A Political Science major with an interest in public policy might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 220 Health Economics
  • ECON 238 Law and Economics
  • ECON 261 Political Economy
  • ECON 342 Public Finance

A Political Science major with an interest in public health might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 203 Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECON 220 Health Economics
  • ECON 238 Law and Economics
  • ECON 307 Advanced Topics in Health Economics and Policy

A Women’s Studies major with an interest in the economics of gender issues might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 203 Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECON 206 Gender Issues in Economics
  • ECON 238 Law and Economics
  • ECON 320 Economics of Inequality and Discrimination

A Philosophy major with an interest in economic thought might propose a correlate sequence consisting of:

  • ECON 102 Introduction to Economics
  • ECON 200 Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON 201 Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 215 The Science of Strategy
  • ECON 261 Political Economy
  • ECON 383 History of Economic Thought

These suggestions are illustrative and far from exhaustive, so students should consult with a member of the faculty when constructing their own proposed program of study for the correlate.