Economics

The Economics program is designed to introduce the basic theoretical and empirical techniques of economics. The major provides an opportunity to study economics as a social science with a core theory and to study the process of drawing inferences from data and historical evidence. The aim of the program is to develop students' ability to apply systematic economic thinking to social problems.

The thirteen members of the department offer expertise in a variety of topics. In addition to theory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and a course in economic statistics, students can take elective courses in environmental economics, labor economics, game theory, industrial organization, financial markets, Marx, business cycles, public finance, poverty, international trade and finance, econometrics, development economics, economic history, economics of technology, history of economic ideas, demographic economics, and law and economics.

Faculty members are active in research and publish articles in academic journals and edited collections, and write books.  Students can become involved as research assistants and/or conduct their own research under the guidance of a faculty member through an independent study. 

Economics at Bowdoin offers introductory classes that are exclusively taught by professors.  Although economics is a popular field and some 250 students each year complete these introductory courses, class size is no larger than forty.  All students therefore have the opportunity for substantial personal interaction with the instructor.  Introductory Microeconomics is the gateway course followed by Introductory Macroeconomics.  The cornerstone course is Intermediate Microeconomics, which is taught every semester.  Intermediate Macroeconomics then follows and is also taught every semester.

The economics major includes nine courses.  Look for more detailed requirements here.  We also offer a join Mathematics-Economics major for students with an interest in mathematics or who plan to go on to graduate school in economics.  Students can minor in economics with any two courses beyond Intermediate Microeconomics.  Students interested in Finance can take a more prescribed set of courses beyond Intermediate Microeconomics to obtain a minor in Economics and Finance.  The Economics Department is also involved in several interdisciplinary areas.  Selected economics courses are cross listed with Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Environmental Studies and Gender and Women's Studies. 

Contact

Department Coordinator: Elizabeth Weston
Telephone: (207) 725-3340 Fax: (207) 725-3691
Location: Hubbard Hall, Room 105 - campus map »
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

Mailing Address:
 9700 College Station
Brunswick, Maine 04011-8497

Librarian Liaison
 Carr Ross  cross@bowdoin.edu   x3545

Image Credits (left to right):
Professor Greg DeCoster with students at an Economics Club dinner and debate

Hubbard Hall roofline from the South

Studying in the Economics Library