As you move through our curriculum, you'll develop a strong foundation focused on these key areas:
- Microeconomics—An understanding of the nature of product demand, cost structure of production, profitability, and competition.
- Macroeconomics—An understanding of the national economy and the impact of government policies on key economic measures such as output, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates.
- International economics—A study of key economic issues impacting developing countries and the international flow of goods, services, and capital.
- Econometrics—We hear every day about economic theories and principles: Politicians claim a trade war will hurt the economy; The Fed raises or lowers interest rates; A health insurance company claims it is improving a population’s health. How do we know whether these claims are true? Econometrics comprises the methods, the statistical techniques, the data sources, and the explanations to validate claims about economics. The course uses interesting case studies with sometimes surprising conclusions. The course includes a term-long student project.
Major and Minor Offered
- Economics (BA major, minor)
Why Study Economics at Principia College?
- Our faculty work with students to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written communication skills.
- Our students develop a solid foundation in economic principles, beginning with basic economic theory through intermediate and complex national and global economics.
- Economics majors take at least one course in public speaking and will make individual or group presentations in at least two upper-level courses.
- Our students intern at a wide range of businesses and organizations.
- We prepare students to continue their education in some of the top graduate schools in the country, including the University of Chicago, University of Michigan, George Washington University, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
- You can help organize the annual, student-run Public Affairs and International Perspectives Conferences
Abroads
Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests.
Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.
