Economics Major

Economics is a lens through which you can broaden your perspectives on anything from business to political science to the environment. The field seeks to explain human behavior by taking a societal view of the impacts of decisions and policies on and for individuals, households, businesses, the environment, and our country as a whole. While economics answers questions of unemployment, interest rates and the demand for goods and services, it is also applied to a wide range of issues. Economics seeks to answer questions about poverty, discrimination, crime, pollution, education, international trade and finance, taxation, natural resources, and much more.  
 
Through economics, you can understand the consequences of policies and look at decision making to understand how changes impact behavior and what the unintended consequences of that might be. Through coursework, you cultivate the tools needed for economic analytical methods through micro- and macroeconomic theories, mathematical modeling, and logic. Hands-on learning opportunities inside the classroom allow you to consider real-world problems and their impacts through tangible methods like games, simulations, auctions, and modeling. These interactive activities expose you to data and make you a conscientious, skeptical, and critical consumer of your own data and others’ analysis and claims.  
 
Our faculty are in tune with new developments in data analysis and modern theories, ensuring you are learning the most current best practices for economics. Because of our interdisciplinary approach to economics, many of our students double major or minor in another area of their interests. Faculty are not only making connections between subjects but encouraging students to find the overlap between economics and their own areas of interest. Study abroad opportunities are also available for one semester or year. The culmination of your Washington College education is completing a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) project, the topic of which should be something you’re passionate about. For more information about our course offerings, visit our online catalog.