The Major
Students learn how individuals, organizations and governments pursue their goals, and how those decisions bring about economic outcomes.
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Tools
We teach students to apply data, empirical methods and economic theory to study real-world events. Nearly two-thirds of Amherst graduates have taken our introductory course. We are proud to count two Nobel laureates among our alumni.
Department Highlights
Student Research
Our students have opportunities to pursue independent research driven by their own interests — and to assist in faculty research.
Faculty Research
We study the economics of developing nations, migration, health, energy, the environment and natural resources, international finance, trade, firm behavior and auctions, as well as behavioral economics, monetary economics, microeconomics and macroeconomics.
After Amherst
Our majors become leaders of industry, key public policy figures and academic pioneers.
Learn MoreEconomics Courses
Current courses
ECON 111
An Introduction to Economics
Description
Study the central problem of scarcity and the ways in which the U.S. economic system allocates scarce resources among competing ends and apportions goods among people.
ECON 223
The Economics of Migration
Description
This course focuses on the economic underpinnings of the migration decision that culminates in individuals leaving their home country for work abroad.
ECON 470
Mechanism Design
Description
Mechanism design uses game theory to design systems, institutions, and mechanisms to achieve desired outcomes—we will study this theory and how it is used to design auctions, tax schemes, and matching mechanisms.