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Home » Academics » Majors and Minors

Economics

Develop a solid understanding of key economic principles and how they’ve evolved over time, while getting plenty of practice writing, researching, and giving presentations. 

OverviewAfter PrincipiaFaculty

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.

Our graduates often continue their studies at some of the top universities in the country, including the following:

  • University of Chicago
  • University of Michigan
  • George Washington University
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • University of Missouri–St. Louis

Some of our graduates own their own businesses. Others pursue a variety of professional opportunities, including work in finance, financial analysis, business analysis, banking, operations, and procurement. Here are a few of the companies where our grads have been hired:

  • Wells Fargo
  • Boeing
  • Monsanto
  • Toyota
  • JP Morgan Chase
  • Fisher Investments

From Our Alumni

“I learned to apply my abilities at Principia. The faculty really supported me, and I earned two academic awards at graduation. I traveled on the China Abroad, which was amazing! I loved learning about the country’s history, economy, and culture. Attending Principia also showed me that I can apply Christian Science to every part of my day.”

–A 2010 grad currently working for Monsanto as a controllership supervisor

“I’m using the foundational tools I developed at Prin and taking them further. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it weren’t for Principia and the liberal arts education I received. Since graduating I feel an ever-increasing appreciation for my Principia education and value it more and more.”

–A 2009 grad with a double major in economics and political science, currently working as program director for the Aspen Global Change Institute

Dr. Matthew Cocks
Assistant Professor of Economics
618.374.5234
Faculty Profile
Dr. Karl Hellman
Associate Professor of Economics
618.374.5220
Faculty Profile
Nicholas H. Johnson
Assistant Professor of Sustainability and Economics
618.374.5498
Faculty Profile
Overview | After Principia | Faculty

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