Create your future. Shape your world.
Economics is the study of how societies organize the production and distribution of goods and services. Economics can be studied from different perspectives and using different methods, and we attempt to embrace these differences in the courses we offer. Through our courses we seek to develop in our students the ability to understand economic issues in a wider social, political and historical context. We also seek to strike a healthy balance in the emphasis we place on the theoretical, empirical and real world aspects of the study of economics as well as to familiarize students with the latest scholarship in different aspects of economics and cultivate their ability to undertake research in areas of economics.
Our theory courses, ranging from the introductory level to the advanced undergraduate level, introduce students to the theoretical and empirical tools of economic analysis. We offer courses in the areas of microeconomic analysis, macroeconomic analysis, game theory, econometrics and Marxism. Our applied courses span a wide set of issues and geographic areas and include courses in economic development, economics of the environment, economic history, international trade, labor economics and urban political economy. Our courses also help students to develop and hone the skills required to undertake independent research in one or more sub-disciplines of economics.
In addition to a wide range of courses, the Department also maintains close links with other departments and interdisciplinary programs of the College. Our faculty are closely involved with and teach courses in a number of interdisciplinary programs, including Environmental Studies, International Studies, Business and Nonprofit Management, and Peace and Global Studies. Some of our courses are cross listed with other departments like Philosophy and Politics. These connections result in a number of "non-econ majors" taking Economics courses, broadening students' perspectives and experiences.
Upon graduation, Economics majors travel many different routes. Some of our graduates pursue further education in different areas, including graduate study in economics, public policy analysis, business administration and law. Economics majors from Earlham have pursued further study at a number of leading universities, including Brown, Duke, Harvard, Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia and Yale. Others have gone on to make successful careers in consulting, banking, government, the private nonprofit sector and teaching.
Robert Faulkens ’84 is a former high school teacher, coach and principal. An athlete at Earlham, he says, “this job is a chance to be a part of something I love. I can’t play any more, but this is a way I can still be involved.”
The economics and international studies double major from Nicaragua, Eduardo Granizo '11, believes,"Earlham lives up its motto - Engaging with a Changing World. Earlham provides me a space where the world comes to my classroom".
After Earlham, Joe Hedrick earned his M.B.A. at Duke University, and began his banking career with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York. At State Street Corporation, he has worked for a number of years on risk and compliance issues.
