Economics

The Economics program at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the principles and applications of economic analysis. Designed to develop a deep understanding of how economies function, the program combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research methods to prepare graduates for diverse careers in academia, government, finance, consulting, and international organizations. Students will explore core topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic policy, gaining critical skills to analyze complex economic issues and make data-driven decisions. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills and covers advanced topics including behavioral economics, development economics, environmental economics, and international trade. Through engaging coursework, students will enhance their ability to interpret economic data, develop models, and evaluate policy impacts. The program encourages experiential learning through research projects, internships, and seminars with leading economists. Faculty members are distinguished scholars actively contributing to cutting-edge research, offering mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and access to extensive economic databases, fostering a rich learning environment. Students are supported in their personal and professional growth through dedicated academic advising, career services, and networking events with alumni and industry professionals. The Cornell Economics program aims to produce graduates who are analytical, innovative, and socially responsible, equipped to address the economic challenges of today and tomorrow. Whether pursuing further studies or entering the workforce, students leave Cornell prepared to make meaningful contributions to economics and society.

The Economics program at Cornell University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with a deep understanding of economic principles, analytical skills, and real-world application. Through a diverse set of courses, students explore both microeconomics and macroeconomics, gaining insights into how individual agents, firms, and governments make decisions and interact within markets. The program emphasizes quantitative analysis, encouraging students to develop proficiency in mathematical modeling, statistics, and data analysis, which are essential tools for interpreting economic phenomena and informing policy decisions.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in various areas within economics, such as international economics, development economics, behavioral economics, and public policy. The program integrates theoretical foundations with empirical research, enabling students to analyze current economic issues and contribute to scholarly debates. Faculty members at Cornell are distinguished researchers and practitioners who provide mentorship and foster an engaging learning environment. In addition to classroom instruction, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects, gaining hands-on experience in economic analysis.

The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to consider economic perspectives alongside political, social, and environmental factors. Career preparation is a key component, with the university offering resources like internships, networking events, and collaborations with governmental and private sector organizations. Graduates of the Economics program at Cornell are well-equipped to pursue careers in finance, consulting, government, international agencies, research institutions, or to continue their academic pursuits through graduate studies. The program aims to develop not only technical expertise but also critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical awareness, preparing students to address complex economic challenges in a dynamic global environment.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Cornell University include completing a total of approximately 120 credit hours, which encompasses coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics, and liberal arts. Prospective students are expected to fulfill foundational courses such as Principles of Economics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics, along with introductory calculus sequences. Advanced coursework generally involves intermediate and advanced courses in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics. Students are encouraged to take coursework in related disciplines such as political science, history, and philosophy to fulfill liberal arts distribution requirements. Additionally, students must complete writing-intensive courses to enhance analytical and communication skills. The program often requires participation in seminars and research projects to foster critical thinking and empirical analysis. In some cases, internships or practical experience in economic research are recommended or required to ensure real-world application of theoretical knowledge. Students are also typically advised to meet with academic advisors regularly to plan their course sequences and ensure all graduation requirements are met. Capstone projects or thesis work may be part of the final year requirements, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of economic theories and apply quantitative methods to complex problems. Overall, the program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of economic principles, analytical skills, and a broad liberal arts perspective, preparing graduates for careers in finance, policy analysis, consulting, or further study in graduate or professional schools.

The economics program at Cornell University offers a comprehensive overview of financial aspects relevant to students pursuing degrees in this field. Funding opportunities are available through a variety of sources, including institutional scholarships, fellowships, and external grants. Undergraduate students may benefit from merit-based scholarships identified through the Office of Financial Aid, which consider academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. Graduate students enrolled in economics programs can access fellowships and research assistantships that provide stipends and tuition coverage, often arranged through department funding packages, external research grants, or university-sponsored fellowships such as the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars Program.

Additionally, students are encouraged to explore federal and state financial aid options, including student loans, work-study programs, and need-based grants. The university's Financial Aid Office provides detailed guidance on the application processes for these funding sources, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Many students also participate in teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which not only support their education financially but also enhance their academic experience and professional development.

Furthermore, students are advised to seek external funding from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partnerships that sometimes sponsor economics research or student internships. The university's career services and departmental advisors can assist students in identifying and applying for such opportunities. Overall, the financing of an economics degree at Cornell is supported by a robust network of internal and external funding options designed to reduce financial barriers and promote academic success.

The Economics program at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive education in the core principles of economic theory and their applications. Designed to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the program covers a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, public economics, development economics, and various specialized fields such as international economics and behavioral economics. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that combines theoretical understanding with practical data analysis skills, preparing them for careers in academia, government, business, and non-profit sectors.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through research projects, internships, and collaborations with faculty members who are leading experts in their fields. Cornell's location in Ithaca provides a vibrant academic environment with access to diverse resources, including extensive libraries, research centers, and economic data repositories. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals. Undergraduate students can also participate in honors programs, economic clubs, and seminars that deepen their understanding of economic issues and policy debates.

Graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees can engage in advanced research, often working closely with faculty advisors on cutting-edge projects. Cornell's Economics Department maintains strong connections with policymakers and industry leaders, facilitating networking and job placement opportunities. Overall, the program aims to foster a rigorous understanding of economic theories and their real-world applications, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to analyze complex economic problems and contribute to policy development or academic research.