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Program Overview
Harvard’s Economics concentration offers a rigorous and flexible foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and real-world application—perfect for students aiming to lead in business, government, research, or graduate studies. With options for advanced coursework and honors research, it’s designed for motivated students who want to dive deep into how economies work and how to solve complex global challenges.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start with EC 10A and 10B, Harvard’s introductory sequence in microeconomics and macroeconomics, paired with MATH 1A or 1B for calculus. Alongside this, students typically take a statistics course, like ECON 20 or STAT 100, to begin building their empirical and analytical skills.
Year 2
Next, you’ll take ECON 1010A or 1011A (Intermediate Microeconomics) and ECON 1010B or 1011B (Intermediate Macroeconomics), where economic theory becomes more formal and model-based. You’ll also complete Econometrics (ECON 1123 or 1126), applying statistical techniques to real economic data—a key skill for any economics career.
Year 3
You’ll choose from upper-level electives in areas like development economics, finance, labor markets, game theory, and behavioral economics. Example courses might include Environmental Economics, Health Economics, or International Trade, where you’ll apply theoretical frameworks to global and policy issues.
Year 4
In your final year, you’ll complete remaining advanced electives and, if qualified, begin an honors thesis or pursue the Advanced Course Track. Many students conduct original research under faculty mentorship, preparing them for graduate school or data-driven roles in business and policy.
Focus Areas
Microeconomic & macroeconomic theory
Econometrics & quantitative methods
Applied fields: development, finance, health, labor, behavioral, environmental economics
Learning Outcomes
Model economic behavior using mathematical and graphical techniques
Apply statistical and econometric tools to real-world data
Assess and critique economic policy using evidence-based reasoning
Communicate findings effectively through written and oral presentations
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This concentration meets Harvard College’s liberal arts and STEM-designated academic standards. It prepares students for top-tier roles in consulting, finance, think tanks, public policy, and advanced graduate or professional programs in economics, law, or business.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Harvard’s Economics department consistently ranks among the top globally. Graduates are highly sought after by firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and the World Bank, and many pursue PhDs or MBAs at elite institutions.
At Harvard, the Economics program is rigorous and deeply experiential, blending theoretical foundations with intensive data analysis and research. Students benefit from access to world-class resources, renowned faculty, and opportunities that prepare them for leadership roles in academia, business, and public policy.
Here’s how Harvard makes experiential learning central to the Economics degree:
Access to the Economics Research Center with cutting-edge computational tools like Stata, R, MATLAB, and Python for empirical analysis.
Participation in faculty-led research projects, often contributing to groundbreaking economic studies.
Collaborative seminars and workshops encouraging peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving.
Internships arranged through the Harvard College Office of Career Services, connecting students to top firms, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Use of the Harvard Library system, one of the largest academic library networks in the world, offering unparalleled resources in economics and related fields.
Opportunities to engage with the Harvard Institute for Economic Research (HIER) for exposure to advanced economic theory and policy debates.
This rich blend of research, practical experience, and academic rigor ensures that Harvard economics students graduate with a strong, applicable skill set ready to impact the world.
BS Economics
Harvard University
Harvard’s BS Economics graduates consistently move into high-impact careers in investment banking, economic research, consulting, and public policy. The program is known for its rigorous quantitative focus and world-class faculty.
What makes Harvard stand out for your career:
Career Services: The Harvard Office of Career Services provides personalized advising, exclusive employer access, and a vast alumni network to support job placement.
Employment & Salary: Nearly 95% of graduates secure employment within six months, with starting salaries often exceeding $80,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong connections with leading financial institutions, consulting firms, and government agencies globally open doors to prestigious internships and jobs.
Accreditation & Reputation: Harvard’s economics degree is globally recognized and highly valued across industries.
Graduate Outcomes: Typical roles include financial analyst, economic consultant, policy analyst, and data scientist.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates frequently pursue advanced degrees in economics, business (MBA), law, or public policy at Harvard or other elite universities to enhance their expertise and career opportunities.
Harvard college questions for the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the Universal College Application. Application and Transcript, A personal statement, A writing sample no longer than 20 pages, Three letters of recommendation, CV, GRE scores, TOEFL IBT scores, 3.9 GPAEconomist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategyInvestment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banksData Analyst or Data Scientist – Use programming languages like Python R and SQL and statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights for business or policy decisionsActuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firmsManagement Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performanceFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisionsPolicy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agenciesQuantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisionsCertified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporationsEconomic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizationsMarketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporationsFinancial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategiesInternational Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World BankFederal Reserve Analyst or Central Banker – Support monetary policy economic research and financial regulation to promote economic stability and growth at regional Federal Reserve Banks or the Board of GovernorsEntrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
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