Introduction
Economists build models and analyze data to understand how people make choices and how economies function.
The many subfields of economics cover a wide variety of topics, and decision-makers in governments as well as in business and other organizations use the tools of economics to inform their decisions.
You might enjoy this if you're interested in
Understanding how social scientists approach the study of human behavior
Careers in business, finance, consulting, law, public health, public service, education
Developing abstract modeling skills to structure thinking
Developing quantitative reasoning skills to assemble, structure, and analyze data
Exploring how markets work and why it matters
Exploring why some countries are rich, but most are not
Exploring the roles of entrepreneurship & innovation in modern economies
Lawrentians sometimes pair economics with
Mathematics
Government
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Psychology
Music performance
Foreign languages
International studies
Environmental studies
Chinese studies
Russian studies
Global studies
Life After Lawrence
Lawrentians can enjoy careers in
Consulting, finance, law, entrepreneurship, project management, production engineering, policy analysis, education, coaching, accounting, military service, wealth management, technology
Recent employers include
Google, Kimberly-Clark, Epic Systems, The Boldt Company, Sentry Insurance, Deloitte S2G, Optum - United Health Group, Gravie, KGH Customs Services, InBev, Piper Jaffray, Zurich North America, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Edward Jones, Bank of America, AON, US Federal Trade Commission, KPMG, Morningstar, Sargento Inc., Cardinal Health, Big Ten
Lawrentians can earn advanced degrees in
Business administration (MBA), finance, quantitative finance, law, economics, political science, international economics, social & decision sciences, Latin American studies
Recent schools include
Duke University, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, Florida State University, Loyola University, North Carolina State University, University of British Columbia, University of Tokyo, Utrecht University, Humboldt University of Berlin
Economics – Courses in game theory, international economics, investments, political economy, innovation & entrepreneurship, and advanced methods only scratch the surface of how you can focus your academic and professional interests. Recent economic graduates have been offered admission to graduate programs at Duke University, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, Florida State University, Loyola University, North Carolina State University, University of British Columbia, University of Tokyo, Utrecht University, Humboldt University of Berlin
Learn to marshal evidence and to dissect, structure, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
Learn to marshal evidence and to dissect, structure, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data through our combination of abstract modeling and quantitative reasoning.
Components of the Major
Economics major
Introductory Economics
Calculus I (or Applied Calculus I and II)
Microeconomic Theory
Macroeconomic Theory
Econometrics
Five economics electives
Senior Experience
Math-Econ Major
Calculus I, II, & III
Probability
Foundations of Algebra
Foundations of Analysis
Optimization OR Mathematical Statistics
One mathematics elective
Introductory Economics
Microeconomic Theory
Macroeconomic Theory
Econometrics
Three economics electives
Senior Experience
The Chandler Senior Experience
Your Senior Experience will have two options. The first is a seminar built around the work of a formidable economist or a topic of central interest to economists. Seminar participants meet to discuss the work and produce a paper in reaction to the reading, integrating theories and applications from economics coursework. The second option is to work with a faculty member and produce a research paper, building on a paper you have already submitted in one of your upper-division courses. Both options are truly culminations of content and tools developed in pursuit of the economics major. (Math-econ majors may complete one of the above components, or fulfill the mathematics department’s Senior Experience requirements. In either case, you will demonstrate the ability to combine topics in both disciplines.)
Recent Senior Experience projects include:
Why Forests Fail: Exploring the Relationship between Institutions and Forest Management Practices in Haiti and the Dominican Republic (Research)
Highway to Heaven: Marrying the Public and Private Sectors Through More Favorable Legislation to Fix Illinois’ Crumbling Infrastructure (Seminar)
A Royal Problem: Planning Induced Housing Supply Constraints in London (Research)
Give Me Liberty and Give Me Death? The American Experience with Smallpox and Typhoid in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries (Seminar)
Get to know current Lawrence students
If you would like to talk directly to a current student about their experiences, we have international student interns available to talk or keep in touch over social media. Read about our students below and contact us with your questions or to find a time to talk with them.
Sheldon Xie
Studying Government, East Asian Studies, History
Involved in: President of Chinese Students Association (CSA); Mentor of International Student Services (ISS); Assistant in LU Government (GOVT) Department; Assistant in Innovation-Entrepreneurship (I-E) Department; Secretary of Food Recovery Network (FRN); Involved in Build Inter-generation Relations (BIR) volunteering activities
Ask me about: Social sciences or humanities, or study abroad in London!
College search advice: Lawrence on Instagram (@lawrenceuni) or LU YouTube Channel would be your good friend! Also, please talk to us, the enthusiastic and friendly group of current students in the International Admission who will love to share Lawrence stories with you!
April Nguyen
Studying Biochemistry
Involved in: Community Advisor
Favorite spot to study: My signature spot in the library! It is a single desk on the second floor, by the window, and behind all bookshelves. I love this spot since it is perfect for me: quiet, peaceful, light, and it has a stunning view to the main grass-land during the fall!
College search advice: I highly recommend following Lawrence on Instagram (@lawrenceuni) since it is usually updated about life and events on campus and has interactive Q&A sessions for prospective students.
Alec Nguyen
Studying Economics, Psychology
Involved in: Lawrence International, JCEC - Japanese Culture Exchange Club.
Favorite Spot on Campus: The green in front of Main Hall is absolutely the best place to wind down and relax. You can set up a hammock and read a book under the shade or take a nap. I personally prefer the latter.
Ask me about: The best routes for running or anything about snowboarding.
College search advice: LU instagram page (@lawrenceuni) has "Student Take over" stories that would definitely help you get to know the college better from a student's viewpoint.
Caleb Yuan
Studying Psychology, English and Educational Studies
Involved in: News writer in The Lawrentians Student Newspaper, VITAL Tutoring program, Lawrence International, and the Chinese Student Association (CSA). I'm also interested in Psychology, lifting, badminton, and deep thoughts!
Ask me about: I always enjoy playing basketball in the morning and start off my morning with a tasty sausage-egg-and-cheese sandwich and a cup of raspberry ice tea (at the Cafe)!
College search advice: Start the application early so you will have enough time to struggle through things such as Recommendation Letters and Essays. Remember to consider your choice in terms of financial aid, school size, surrounding area, school culture, specific programs, etc.
