Economics

Faculty

Chair: Professor M. Reza Ramazani
Professor: Herbert Kessel
Associate Professor: Tara Natarajan
Assistant Professor: Patrick M. Walsh

The economics major provides an understanding of economic theory and institutions and prepares the student to apply this knowledge to the analysis of a wide range of economic problems and policies.

Students majoring in economics have a broad range of interests. Some seek training for careers in business or industry; others seek preparation for graduate school in economics, business, or law; some simply have an interest in the social sciences and are particularly intrigued by economic problems. Others hope to use their knowledge of economics to better society through their work in government and non-profit agencies. The economics program is designed to accommodate this diversity.

The major consists of a core of principles of economics, macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, and skills courses in statistics and mathematics. Beyond this, each economics major works closely with a departmental advisor to plan a sequence of economics electives consistent with that student’s interest. All students complete a two-semester Senior Seminar in economics, which enables them to pursue research on topics of their own choice and to discuss their results with peers and their professor in weekly seminar meetings.

Note that students should generally have completed Economics 101 or 103 prior to enrolling in other economics courses.

Students in good standing have an opportunity to apply for internships in economics. These are taken during the junior or senior year, generally for four credits. Except in unusual circumstances, internships are not a substitute for a regular elective. The department also encourages students to study abroad.