We teach students to apply data, empirical methods and economic theory to study real-world events. Nearly two-thirds of Amherst graduates have taken our introductory course. We are proud to count two Nobel laureates among our alumni.
Students learn how individuals, organizations and governments pursue their goals, and how those decisions bring about economic outcomes.
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Our students have opportunities to pursue independent research driven by their own interests — and to assist in faculty research.
We study the economics of developing nations, migration, health, energy, the environment and natural resources, international finance, trade, firm behavior and auctions, as well as behavioral economics, monetary economics, microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Our majors become leaders of industry, key public policy figures and academic pioneers.
Learn MoreThis sophomore seminar engages students in an exploration of pluralist economics, including feminist economics, critical race theory, stratification economics, and abolition economics.
This course focuses on the economic underpinnings of the migration decision that culminates in individuals leaving their home country for work abroad.
This course analyzes the idea of economic “well-being” (utility) and examines the different ways in which the history of economic thought has conceived of well-being from antiquity to the present day.
The Department of Economics is committed to creating learning environments that are inclusive, anti-racist, and supportive of open inquiry and debate.