Applied Economics Minor

The applied economics minor will give you a solid foundation in economic principles and how they’re put into action in the business world.

Format: In person
Location: Ithaca, NY
Degree Awarded: Minor

Overview

You’ll develop critical thinking skills, an analytical approach to problem solving, data analysis and a knowledge of financial and economic concepts. Overall, you will begin to understand how the production, distribution and consumption of wealth affects business and policy decisions and the economy.

After completing courses in introductory economics, your elective courses can focus on specific industries and areas such the environment and natural resources, international development, food policy, agriculture and the public sector.

Who’s eligible for the applied economics minor?

All Cornell undergraduates, except students enrolled in Dyson and any majors that include overlap of two or more core courses.

How many credits are required?

Foundation: 6 credits in introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Core: 12 credits on topics like intermediate microeconomics, trade, finance and policy.

Visit the Cornell University Registrar for full course information.

Foundation courses

This minor requires 6 credits in microeconomics and macroeconomics before taking the minor’s core courses. A letter grade of a C or better is required.

Introductory economics (6 credits)

Both courses are required:

Course code	Course title
ECON 1110	Introductory Microeconomics – FA 26 \| SP 27
ECON 1120	Introductory Macroeconomics – FA 26 \| SP 27

Core requirements

The minor’s core requirements (12 credits) must be fulfilled by taking courses from the lists below. Please note that 9 credits must be SC Johnson College of Business courses, which include any course code of AEM, HADM, NBA or NCC. A letter grade of C or better is required. Students may not “double count” courses that overlap with the other business minors — the courses you choose may only count toward one minor.

Economic theory or practice (3 credits)

One of the following courses is required:

Economics majors may use ECON 3030 to satisfy this requirement, and are required to take an additional course within the various topics category to satisfy the unique credit requirement.

Public Policy and Health Care Policy majors may use PUBPOL 2000 to satisfy this requirement.

Course code	Course title
AEM 2600	Managerial Economics – FA 26 \| SP 27
AEM 5600	Managerial Economics – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a

Applied economics, various topics (9 credits)

Three of the following courses are required:

As noted above, economics majors must complete four courses in this category. Please note that cross-listed ECON course codes will NOT satisfy requirements in this category.

Course code	Course title
AEM 4100	Microeconomics for Management and Consulting*
AEM 4110	Introduction to Econometrics – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a
AEM 4140	Behavioral Economics and Managerial Decisions – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4150	Price Analysis*
AEM 4160	Strategic Pricing – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4190	Strategic Thinking – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4210	Futures, Options and Financial Derivatives – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4300	International Trade Policy – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4315	Economics of Developing Countries*
AEM 4350	Political Economy of the WTO – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4420	Emerging Markets*
AEM 4450	Toward a Sustainable Global Food System: Food Policy for Developing Countries*
AEM 4485	Economics of Food and Malnutrition – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a
AEM 4500	Resource Economics – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4510	Environmental Economics – FA 26 \| SP 27
AEM 4516	Cost-Benefit Analysis for Sustainability – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a
AEM 4545	Money and Finance in the Digital Age – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a
AEM 4550	Attention Markets and Advertising Strategy – FA 26 n/a \| SP 27
AEM 4880	Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus – Engage the US, China, and India for Sustainable Future – FA 26 \| SP 27 n/a

*This class is no longer offered but it is accepted if already taken.

Academic policies

A minimum of 12 unique credits (outside of major’s core discipline) must be taken to complete any/all minors. Some majors may be required to take an additional course to satisfy this requirement. All courses must be taken in person (unless through Cornell’s School of Continuing Education) and for a letter grade (grade of C or better is required).

More about our business minors

Learn more about our programs, policies and professional resources.

Current business minor students

You can manage your minor and track your progress using the Business Minors Dashboard.

I’m interested. What’s next?

After reviewing the requirements above and our Policies & FAQs page, you can begin the process using the Business Minors Dashboard.

business minors dashboard