Economics

Economics at Carleton College offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the fundamental principles governing the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This program is designed to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills through a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical frameworks with real-world applications. Students will engage with a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, public policy, development economics, and financial markets. Emphasizing a liberal arts approach, the program encourages interdisciplinary perspectives and fosters an understanding of economic issues within broader social, political, and ethical contexts.

The curriculum is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and data analysis, preparing them for diverse careers in economics, finance, public policy, or further academic pursuits. Core courses build essential skills in understanding market mechanisms, economic modeling, and empirical research. Electives allow students to specialize in areas such as international economics, environmental economics, health economics, or behavioral economics. The program also offers opportunities for research projects, internships, and engagement with economics faculty who are active scholars in their fields.

Carleton College’s Economics program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects, fostering teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Students are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary economic challenges and policy debates, equipping them with the tools to analyze complex issues critically. The college’s small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions ensure personalized mentoring and support throughout students’ academic journeys.

Graduates of the Economics program are well-prepared for a variety of paths, including graduate study, government agencies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprise. They leave with a keen understanding of economic principles and quantitative skills that enable them to interpret data, evaluate policies, and contribute thoughtfully to societal debates. Carleton’s Economics program thus combines academic excellence, practical relevance, and a commitment to developing principled, analytical thinkers ready to address the economic challenges of the future.

The Economics program at Carleton College offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the fundamental principles that govern economic activity, both at the individual and societal levels. Designed to develop analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and a deep understanding of economic theory, the curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers in business, government, non-profit organizations, and graduate studies. The program emphasizes the application of economic models to real-world issues, encouraging students to critically analyze data and make informed decisions.

Students beginning the Economics major at Carleton will engage with core courses that cover microeconomics and macroeconomics, providing a solid foundation in understanding how individual markets function and how economies operate as a whole. These foundational courses are complemented by advanced topics such as international economics, public finance, development economics, and behavioral economics, allowing students to specialize and deepen their expertise in areas of interest. Throughout the program, students gain experience working with quantitative tools and statistical software, fostering skills in data analysis and empirical research.

In addition to coursework, the Economics program at Carleton emphasizes experiential learning through research projects, internships, and colloquia. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research initiatives and to attend seminars that expose them to current economic issues and methodologies. The interdisciplinary approach of the program connects economic theory with political science, history, and environmental studies, offering students a holistic perspective on complex global challenges.

The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking and ethical reasoning, equipping students to understand the broader social implications of economic policies and practices. Graduates leave with a versatile skill set that includes analytical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and effective communication, making them well-prepared for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits. Overall, Carleton College’s Economics program strives to foster a rigorous intellectual environment where students can develop their analytical abilities and contribute meaningfully to understanding and solving economic problems.

The Economics major at Carleton College requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum comprising core courses, electives, and senior requirements. Students must enroll in introductory courses such as Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics to establish foundational knowledge. These courses are designed to cover essential topics including supply and demand analysis, market structures, fiscal and monetary policy, and economic modeling techniques. Building upon this foundation, students are encouraged to pursue intermediate courses that delve deeper into microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and quantitative methods. These intermediate courses often include courses such as Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics, which develop analytical skills and facilitate empirical research.

In addition to the theoretical coursework, students are required to engage in applied economics through courses in empirical methods and economic policy analysis. These classes typically emphasize data collection, statistical analysis, and computational modeling. To broaden their understanding, students can select from a wide array of electives, which may cover fields such as development economics, environmental economics, health economics, and international economics. These electives enable students to specialize in areas of personal interest or emerging economic issues.

The program mandates a senior capstone or thesis project, where students conduct original research under faculty supervision. This project synthesizes their learning and demonstrates analytical and research skills. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research seminars to gain practical experience and professional insights. The overall aim of the program is to produce graduates equipped with critical thinking, quantitative analysis skills, and a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, preparing them for careers in policy, business, or further academic study.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Carleton College Economics program offers students a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, analysis, and applications. When considering the financing of this program, students typically rely on a combination of institutional aid, scholarships, federal and state financial aid programs, and personal resources. Carleton College provides need-based financial aid packages designed to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring that talented students from diverse economic backgrounds can pursue their studies without financial hardship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the campus community, further reducing financial burdens.

The college’s financial aid policy emphasizes transparency and accessibility, with detailed individualized calculations that consider family income, assets, and other factors. Many students finance their education through a mix of grants, work-study opportunities, and, in some cases, loans, although Carleton College's commitment is to minimize reliance on student borrowing. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships from government programs, private foundations, and community organizations to supplement their funding.

Tuition and fees are updated annually, and the college provides resources to help students plan their finances, including workshops on budgeting and financial literacy. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses, with the college maintaining a commitment to affordability. International students are also eligible for financial aid based on merit and financial need, with specific application procedures in place.

In summary, financial planning for students in the Economics program at Carleton College is supported through various aid sources, aimed at making education accessible regardless of financial background. The college's generous aid policies, coupled with external funding opportunities, help ensure that students can focus on their academic and career development in economics without undue financial stress.

Economics at Carleton College offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to develop students' understanding of economic theories, principles, and their applications to real-world issues. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and clear communication skills to prepare students for diverse careers in business, government, non-profit organizations, and further academic pursuits. Students begin their studies with foundational courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, providing essential insights into individual decision-making processes and the functioning of entire economies. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize through advanced coursework in areas such as behavioral economics, international economics, developmental economics, and public policy. The program encourages the integration of economic theory with empirical research, fostering skills in data analysis and statistical methods. Carleton College’s Economics Department values close student-faculty interaction, offering small class sizes and research opportunities that enable personalized mentorship and innovative projects. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and global perspectives. The college’s liberal arts environment ensures a well-rounded education, emphasizing ethics, social responsibility, and critical engagement with economic issues impacting society and the environment. Graduates from the program have pursued successful careers in finance, consulting, public policy, and academia, among other fields. The program continually updates its curriculum to reflect current economic challenges and emerging research, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the modern economic landscape.