Economics

Economics is the study of how a society coordinates the production and distribution of goods and services across individuals. Economists collect data to study economic trends and relationships with the goal of informing public policy that can improve welfare.  

As an economics major at Oxy, you’ll study a broad range of social issues, including inequality, health care, immigration, the environment, unemployment, trade, development, and economic growth. You’ll learn the theoretical and empirical tools of the economics profession, as well as strong problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills to study and evaluate real-world problems. We have a wide range of elective courses from among different focus areas:

  • Business Economics
  • Computational Economics
  • Economics of Public Policy
  • Economics of Social Justice and Inequality
  • Mathematical Economics

Outside the classroom, you can pursue both independent and collaborative research projects with economics faculty during the school year and summer. Student research is an enriching academic experience and excellent preparation for research careers in academia, public policy, and private industry. Your research might explore any number of economic questions, for example, the tradeoffs of Covid-19 stay-at-home orders, the relationship between natural disasters and agricultural practices, and the effects of immigration enforcement on the mental health of Hispanic children. While there are many campus opportunities for you to engage further with economics, you can also take your learning abroad, participate in Oxy’s U.N. program, or use a Young Fund or Schwartz Fund grant to support independent studies and conference travel.

By studying economics you will develop the tools and skills to excel in a wide range of fields. Economics majors pursue careers in industries such as consulting, tech, government, research, NGOs, nonprofit, finance, law, social services, and more.

Declare your interest in an econ major or minor

Meet Our Faculty

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Research Assistant, Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Ruth Schlosser
2023

Senior Associate for Digital Platforms at Climate Power

Seth Miller
2018

Predoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School

Mary Hancock
2023

Vice President, Economist, Payden & Rygel

Siddharth Saravat
2015

A&R Administration, Columbia Records

Maya Crawford
2019

Data Specialist, YipitData

Claire Boyle
2016

Research Analyst, Warner Bros. Discovery

Isabella Fernandes
2023

Luce Scholar, Singapore

Jordan Walker
2021

JD Candidate, University of Minnesota Law School

Catlin Hedeman
2021
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