Economics, B.S.
Why study economics at Clark?
- Gain relevant insights through our unusually broad and deep curriculum, with particular strengths in international economics, spatial environmental economics, applied econometrics, and development economics.
- Put your learning into practice through research projects, worldwide internships, study abroad programs, and membership in Clark’s Undergraduate Economics Society.
- Customize your academic program with electives and courses outside the department to align your experience with your personal interests and career or graduate school objectives.
Study abroad
Explore Clark’s Study Abroad programs, which offers opportunities to gain world and workplace experience to complement your on-campus work. The University approves semester, year-long, and summer opportunities to earn credit through academic coursework, internships, community-based learning, or research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a major in economics?
By emphasizing careful thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, the economics major offers you skills that are highly valued in a number of careers and graduate programs, including banking, insurance, finance, and other business fields; planning and research in environmental and urban studies; international development; graduate study in law, public policy, and business administration; and economics as a profession, including teaching, research, and public policy.
What skills will I learn while studying economics?
- Summarize an argument in the academic literature and interpret statistical results at the level of basic regression analysis
- Identify, collect, and interpret data appropriate to a topic for economic analysis
- Build on existing knowledge to analyze an economic issue or conduct a positive or normative analysis of a policy proposal
- Present ideas in written, oral, or other form
Can I earn academic achievement awards in economics?
David R. Porter ’35 Prize for Excellence in Economics
The David R. Porter ’35 Prize for Excellence in Economics was established in honor and memory of David R. Porter, a member of the Class of ’35, and Trustee of the University, by his family and friends. The award is given every fall to the outstanding senior majoring in Economics.
Harry B. and Alice N. Sheftel Endowed Prize in Economics
Awarded annually by the Economics department to an outstanding undergraduate student, except in those years when extraordinary scholarship by a graduate student or faculty member deserves recognition.
The Roger Van Tassel Book Prize
The Roger Van Tassel Book Prize is awarded each year to an outstanding freshman or sophomore in elementary economics. The award takes the form of a book such as a biography of an economist or classic work in economics. Professor Van Tassel taught at Clark for 42 years, including 21 years as Department Chair. He had a special passion for introducing undergraduate students to economics and also taught courses in international economics.
Is there an economics honors program?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the economics honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Recent honors thesis topics are listed in Undergraduate Research
