Economics at Lawrence
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+ The Economics Major
Economics majors complete at least eight courses beyond the introductory level. All majors will receive the conceptual grounding offered in the two intermediate theory courses - Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Theory - as well as acquire statistical skills in Introduction to Probability and Statistics and Econometrics. You will complete the major with policy related courses such as Political Economy of Regulation, Labor Economics, and Environmental Economics, as well as advanced courses including Capital and Growth, Industrial Organization, and International Economics.
When you reach the advanced level, you will be encouraged to design your own small-group or individual tutorials on topics of particular interest either here or in the various off-campus programs that Lawrence offers.
+ The Mathematics-Economics Major
If you are one of the many students with a strong interest in mathematics as well as economics, you should consider the combined mathematics-economics major. You will enroll in courses from each of these major departments. You might also choose to become proficient in computer technology.
The core sequence of courses for this major includes Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics from the Economics Department and three terms of calculus, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Foundations of Algebra and Foundations of Analysis from the Mathematics Department.
In addition to those nine courses, you will take three upper-level economics courses and two upper-level mathematics courses as well as an independent study projects approved by both departments. Students who have completed the mathematics-economics major are especially well prepared to pursue graduate study in economics or finance or to obtain entry level analyst positions with major financial and consulting institutions.
+ 3-2 Engineering
If you are interested in becoming an engineer at the managerial level, you will want to obtain an understanding of the world of commerce; develop liberal arts skills such as thinking, writing, and speaking; and learn technical engineering skills. The 3-2 engineering program combines three years at Lawrence with two years in one of our affiliated engineering programs and provides you with these skills. You will receive two degrees: one from Lawrence and a second from the engineering school. With these degrees, you will be very attractive to businesses that feature substantial interaction between management and technical staff as well as with technical business clients.
+ The Economics Minor
The economics minor requires the completion of five courses beyond the introductory level; one of which can come from mathematics. Minors in economics will be exposed to both macroeconomic and microeconomic analysis.
+ International Studies
International Studies If you are considering a career in international economic policy or international business, the interdisciplinary area in International Studies might be right for you. In related course work, you will concentrate on a country or region of the world or on a theme such as development or international economics. The International Studies program draws professors and students from economics, anthropology, foreign languages, government, and history. In conjunction with this program, you will expand your skills beyond the general education level. Participation in an off-campus program, such as the International Business section of the Washington Semester Program, will add to your enrichment. Internships with an international exposure are especially worthwhile.
+ Environmental Studies
If you are interested in environmental policy, you may complete a minor in Environmental Studies to complement your economics major. Environmental Studies courses emphasize the interplay among the natural and social sciences as well as ethics in addressing both the physical environment and public policy. In addition to two specific courses in environmental studies, you will also take two foundations courses each in the natural and social sciences.
+ Biomedical Ethics
If you're interested in health care economics, you may want to supplement your economics major with a minor in Biomedical Ethics, which combines ethics, biology, and public policy with health care economics. Students find that this minor provides valuable preparation for careers in medicine, law, public health, and other health care professions. You'll enroll in Biomedical Ethics, The Economics of Health Care, and introductory biology. You'll also select from Advanced Seminar in Biomedical Ethics or Health Policy and at least four courses in anthropology, biology, economics, government, philosophy, psychology, and public policy. To fulfill the requirements, you will complete an approved independent study project on some aspect of biomedical ethics or health care economics.