The objective of the Economics major is to develop a general knowledge of how economies function to allocate scarce resources. By applying economic theories of decision-making and coordination to public policy issues, students will gain an understanding of the operation of the United States and other economies and their interactions. Specialization in economics is valuable to students who intend to enter business or government service. For many positions with federal or state governments, training in economics or related social sciences is required. Moreover, undergraduate specialization in economics is the first step for students who wish to make a career of teaching economics at the collegiate level or who wish to secure positions as professional economists. To hold such positions, graduate study of economics is usually required. 

This major also shapes effective citizens by promoting knowledge of structures and processes central to democratic society in a global age and by addressing issues of economic inequality and social injustice. This goal contributes to the college’s commitment to the liberal arts, and it reinforces the college’s antiracism agenda and its efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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The Business, Economics, and Society major expresses the interdisciplinary nature and commitments of the Economics and Business Department. It builds on the commonalities and differences in the two disciplines as they study human economic behavior—its nature, its sources, and its consequences.

The major analyzes three key relationships. First, it examines the roles business and economics play in society, particularly the place of modern corporations and social enterprises in civil society, government, and economic policy. Second, it evaluates the impact of business on society, focusing on market forces, market failures, and services provided to all members of society. Third, it explores the effects of society on business and the economy, questioning how social issues frame business opportunities and strategies, and how corporations respond (or fail to respond) to social concerns.

By promoting knowledge of structures and processes central to democratic society in a global age, this major shapes effective citizens. Through this goal and its emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, the major contributes to the college’s commitment to the liberal arts. It also addresses issues of economic inequality and social injustice, and in so doing reinforces the college’s anti-racism agenda and its efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Students majoring in Mathematical Economics must successfully complete no fewer than 16 units of listed courses in Mathematics and Economics, including a senior thesis. To solidify basic problem-solving skills, all majors must initially take a common set of required courses in economic theory, calculus, statistics, and linear algebra. Contingent on individual course prerequisites, students may then directly fulfill the elective requirement which undertakes a more advanced treatment of mathematical economics, or complete a sequence of courses that provide exposure to the statistical modeling of data. This major provides strong training for students pursuing private sector careers in investment banking, forecasting, applied mathematics, or finance, as well as graduate work in economics, operations research, and financial engineering.

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The International Political Economy major prepares students for careers in government, international organizations, international business, or private foundations. It lays the groundwork for further study in international economics and politics and for constructive citizenship in a world of increasing interdependence. The major is designed for students with broad interests in international studies.

This major focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in comparative and international settings. It examines the possibilities and constraints furnished by social structures, institutions, ideologies, and cultures within and across societies, and it looks at the interplay of economic and political forces in the world arena. Students are introduced to the field in their junior year when they take Introduction to International Political Economy, a course emphasizing theoretical foundations. They draw upon this body of theory as they undertake a research experience during their senior year.

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