Economics

Economics

Economics is a discipline that encompasses a breadth of policy-related topics, from energy and the environment to poverty and welfare. The department’s forward-thinking approach encourages its students to evaluate current policy by actively questioning mainstream thinking.

Economics majors and minors receive a broad education in economic theory and analytic methods enabling them to understand, analyze, research and evaluate economic phenomena, processes and issues. This creates a sound foundation for the further critical study of economic matters necessary to be active citizens and successful professionals.

Student Resources

Student Profile: Mike Goulart '20

Mike Goulart '20

Economics and International Relations Double Major

“I believe the professors in the Economics Department at HWS go a long way to ensure students develop a passion and interest in the field the way I did. The professors have helped me not only question them but learn how to question the entire discipline while finding my niche within Economics.”

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Meet Our Faculty

The Economics faculty have scholarly interests as diverse as the subject itself. From feminist economics to nuclear power economics and policy, from organizational architecture to South Asian Security Issues, at HWS you will gain exciting new knowledge from experts in the discipline. Scroll below to meet our team of innovators, scholars and above all, dedicated teachers. Meet the entire department >

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Economics News

President Jacobsen and Professor Drennen Elected Honorary Class Members

Sun, 17 May 2020

Joyce and Drennen  In keeping with annual traditions, Hobart and William Smith seniors have named two honorary members of the Classes of 2020: HWS President Joyce P. Jacobsen and Professor of Economics and…

Teferra ’21 Lands Seat at BNP Paribas

Mon, 11 May 2020

teferraYalemwork Teferra ’21 has landed a position as a summer analyst in the USD Clearing Department at BNP Paribas in New York City. One of the world’s largest banks by total…

Faculty and Alums to Give Virtual Talks on Teaching and Travel

Tue, 05 May 2020

Khan-FeisalTwo new online webinars, free and available to the entire Hobart and William Smith community, will give participants a glimpse into teaching economics during a crisis and allow them to…

Gantcher ’92 Delivers Meals to Brooklyn Hospital Staff

Mon, 04 May 2020

Gantcher-Food-duFor Michael Gantcher ’92 and his family, their Brooklyn neighborhood is more than just a home — it’s an extended family. So when the COVID-19 shutdown forced his friend Medwin…

Sample Courses

Class Complete Course List
 

The Economics of Caring
There is more to economics than the wealth of nations. A good society is more than its wealth; it has the capacity and is willing to care for those who cannot completely provide for themselves. In this course students explore, analyze, and assess how our society cares for those who cannot provide all of the necessities of life for themselves; including children, the infirm, and the elderly. They examine public policies and debates concerning poverty, health care, education, child protection, and adoption.

Spotlight: Recent Grads

Recent Grad

Megan Richard '19

Current Position: Technology Associate, Wellington Management

Current Location: Boston, Mass.

"In my first two years at HWS, I took a wide range of classes, from chemistry to philosophy to architecture to psychology to many other courses, until I finally decided to major in economics and minor in math."

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