The Major
Students learn how individuals, organizations and governments pursue their goals, and how those decisions bring about economic outcomes.
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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.
Department Highlights
Student Research
Our students have opportunities to pursue independent research driven by their own interests — and to assist in faculty research.
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.
After Amherst
Our majors become leaders of industry, key public policy figures and academic pioneers.
Learn MoreEconomics Courses
Current courses
ECON 218
Inequality in the U.S.
Description
The United States is in an unprecedented period of rising inequality. This course begins by examining the history of inequality in the U.S. since the start of the twentieth century.
ECON 250
Money and Banking
Description
In this course, we study the role played by money, banking, and financial markets in the modern economy, with a particular emphasis on how financial intermediation facilitates exchange.
ECON 414
Urban Economics
Description
Much of urban economics focuses on the origin and development of cities, but in this course, we will study urban economics in the role of location/space in the decision-making of households and firms.
Anti-Racism Statement
The Department of Economics is committed to creating learning environments that are inclusive, anti-racist, and supportive of open inquiry and debate.