Internal Transfer
Economics is a restricted major.
The Department of Economics only accepts internal transfer applications during the Spring semester for Fall admission. Our next application cycle will begin in Spring 2026 for Fall 2026 admission.
To be eligible to apply for internal transfer into the Economics undergraduate program, a student must satisfy all below requirements by the end of the semester in which they are applying:
1. Attend Economics Information Session during the academic year in which you are applying.
2. Complete all of the following courses with a C- or higher:
- ECO 304K
- ECO 304L
- Calculus I: M 408K, C, N, R, or Q*
- Calculus II: M 408L, D, or S
*Note: M 408Q is reserved for Business majors. Students with credit for M 408Q are not required to take a Calculus II course for internal transfer eligibility requirements.
3. UT Austin Overall GPA: Minimum 3.4
4. UT Austin ECO GPA: Minimum 3.4
5. Minimum Hours In-Residence: 24 Placement (credit by exam), correspondence, extension, pass/fail, PED, and/or transfer hours will not count towards the in-residence requirement.
6. Maximum Semesters/Hours:
- No more than 90 hours of coursework completed. 90 hours includes any university setting coursework, but it does not include dual credit or placement credit from high school.
- Must apply within first 4 long semesters at UT
Note:
Meeting the minimum internal transfer requirements is not a guarantee of admission to the Economics major. The number admitted will depend upon the space available within the major.
- How many students are accepted into economics each year?
- The number of students admitted varies each semester based on the number of seats available in the major.
- I attended an info session last year. Do I need to attend another one?
- Yes. Our policy requires that all internal transfer applicants attend an information session during the current academic year. Students who do not attend an information session at all, or who do not attend one in the current academic year are not eligible to apply for internal transfer to economics.
- I’m already in COLA. Do I still need to apply and meet eligibility requirements?
- Yes. All students must meet the eligibility requirements, even those already in COLA
- I have not completed the economics or calculus eligibility requirements in residence. Am I eligible to apply?
- Yes. Students are eligible to apply if they have not completed the calculus and economics requirements in-residence. However, students must establish an economics GPA by taking at least one economics course at UT.
- Do summer courses count toward the application?
- Courses taken during the summer after you submit your application will not be considered in your application review. You must have all requirements completed at the time your application is evaluated.
- I have not completed 24 hours in-residence. Can I appeal this requirement?
- No. All students must have 24 hours in-residence to apply. Placement (credit by exam), correspondence, extension, pass/fail, PED, and/or transfer hours will not count towards the in-residence requirement.
- I do not meet the eligibility requirements. Can I appeal?
- Yes. An appeal essay is required, and you will be prompted to submit the appeal essay as part of your application. You will need to thoroughly explain any extenuating circumstances and provide a plan for completing the degree in a timely manner. Appeal approval is not guaranteed. This appeal process is for the 25-26 academic year only and is subject to revision in future academic years.
- I would like to work towards another major in case I am not accepted to economics. What are some open major options?
- We encourage students to work with their current advisor or Vick Advising to choose an open major as a back-up plan. There are many open majors within the College of Liberal Arts.
- What courses are factored into the ECO GPA?
- Any course taken for a letter grade at UT Austin that begins with "ECO" will be factored into the ECO GPA.
- Is it possible to enroll in economics courses prior to acceptance?
- Yes, if you meet the prerequisite and the course is not reserved. Courses listed "open;reserved" on the course schedule are reserved for current ECO majors and minors until the last day of the initial registration period.
- Can I meet with an economics advisor to discuss my sitation.
- Economics advisors cannot meet with prospective students.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, Economics advisors are unable to support individual meetings or academic advising for prospective internal transfer students. We encourage you to attend an information session.
- Economics advisors cannot meet with prospective students.