Department of Economics

Undergraduate

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Undergraduate

Economics is one of the most popular concentrations at Brown. Economics is much broader in scope than many people realize. You can take classes about race, mass media, global warming, internet marketplaces, game theory, finance, big data, …the list goes on.

Economics provides tools for understanding important public policy issues like inequality, poverty, education, health, unemployment, taxes, and globalization.  About half of Brown students take some economics during their undergraduate careers.

Economics Concentrations 

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What Economists Study 

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Where to begin

Most students begin their study of economics by taking ECON 0110, Principles of Economics, which is offered every semester. After a set of intermediate tools courses, the discipline divides into various subfields. To learn which might be the best match for your interests, read about fields and their courses. Students are free to take classes in the order they wish, but here are some recommended paths through the curriculum for concentrators. Be sure to also check out the Econ Dug Repository for more information about Economics classes, example course plans for Economics concentrators and joint-concentrators, details about TA/RA/tutor positions, as well as resources for graduate school and professional careers after undergraduate studies.

Areas of Study

Learn which area might be the best match for your interests.

Recommended Course Sequence

Students are free to take classes in the order they wish, but here are some recommended paths through the curriculum for concentrators.

Concentrations

There are several Economics Concentrations to choose from. In addition to the regular concentration, with its optional business track, we offer joint concentrations with Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Mathematics. The first step to declaring a concentration is to visit a concentration advisor during their office hours. You must meet with an advisor before your concentration declaration will be approved on ASK.

Concentrations

The Department of Economics offers several concentrations, some of which are interdisciplinary and offered in partnership with other departments.
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Support

Getting Help

It’s important to us that all students to feel at home in the department and get the support they need.
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Advising Resources

For general questions about concentration and/or track requirements, declaration logistics, transfer credits, please contact the Economics Undergraduate Program Advisor, Angelica Spertini.
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Peer Advisors

Peer Advisors offer insight into course selection, study abroad, internships, working as a TA or RA, etc.
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For questions about the undergraduate program, please reach out to the following people:

  • Kelsey Thorpe

    Kelsey Thorpe

    Undergraduate Program Coordinator
    kelsey_thorpe@brown.edu
    Robinson Hall 103B
  • Kareen Rozen

    Kareen Rozen

    Professor of Economics
    kareen_rozen@brown.edu
    Office: Robinson Hall Room 102A
    Office Hours:
    Zoom: brown.zoom.us/my/kareenrozen
  • Alex Poterack

    Alex Poterack

    Steven Rattner Lecturer in Economics, Vice Director of Undergraduate Studies
    Alex_Poterack@brown.edu
    Office: Robinson Hall Room 212
    Office Hours: Tuesdays 11am-12pm and 1:30pm-2:30pm; Thursdays 2pm-3pm
    Vice-DUS: Mondays 3pm-4pm
    ECON/ENVS 1350: Wednesdays 10:50am-11:50am
    ECON 1110: Wednesdays 3pm-4pm
    1350 and 1110: Fridays 10:50am-11:50am
    Office hours will be both in person (Robinson 212) and on Zoom (https://brown.zoom.us/my/poterack).

After Graduation

After Brown

Brown economics alumni follow many paths after graduation. Some continue on to graduate studies, and some to employment in the public or private sector.

Stay Connected

Econ DUG

Stay connected by signing up for the Econ DUG (Department Undergraduate Group) mailing list. The DUG shares information, publicizes opportunities, and builds community by hosting events, panels, and gatherings throughout the year.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/xOqQ6R7sr10

Studying Economics at Brown (video credit: Alex Dorosin)

https://player.vimeo.com/video/135871291

A career in Economics... it's much more than you think.