Bachelor of Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swarthmore College

Program Overview

Swarthmore’s Bachelor of Economics offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach combining economic theory, quantitative analysis, and social sciences. Ideal for students seeking a broad liberal arts education with strong preparation for graduate study or research careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1–2
Students take foundational courses like ECON 001 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 002 (Principles of Macroeconomics), along with required math courses in calculus and statistics. This establishes a strong grounding in economic concepts and analytical methods.

Year 2–3
Intermediate courses focus on ECON 101 (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory) and ECON 102 (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory), deepening understanding of economic behavior. Students also engage in econometrics and applied statistics to strengthen empirical skills.

Year 3–4
Advanced seminars and electives such as Public Economics, International Trade, and Behavioral Economics allow for specialization. A senior thesis or independent research project encourages deep exploration of economic questions using theoretical and quantitative tools.


Focus areas: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Behavioral Economics, Public Policy

Learning outcomes: Develop critical and quantitative thinking, apply economic theory rigorously, conduct independent research, communicate complex ideas effectively

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited within Swarthmore’s rigorous liberal arts framework, preparing students for competitive graduate programs and research careers

Reputation (employability rankings): Swarthmore graduates are highly regarded for analytical skills and intellectual rigor, opening doors in academia, government, and business sectors


Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swarthmore College, the Bachelor of Economics program is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in economic theory while also emphasizing practical skills that are essential in today’s dynamic job market. Students engage in experiential learning through a variety of hands-on opportunities, including collaborative projects, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The college fosters an environment where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers.

 

Here are some key aspects of experiential learning in the Economics program at Swarthmore:

- Research Opportunities: Students can participate in faculty-led research projects, allowing them to apply economic theories to real-world issues and contribute to academic publications.
- Internships: The college encourages internships with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, providing students with valuable work experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a staple of the curriculum, where students work together to analyze economic problems and present their findings, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
- Access to Software: Students utilize industry-standard software such as Stata and R for data analysis, equipping them with the technical skills needed in the field of economics.
- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to economic institutions and organizations, giving students firsthand insight into the workings of the economy and the application of their studies.
- Dedicated Facilities: The Economics department has access to specialized labs and study spaces that support collaborative work and research.
- Libraries and Resources: Swarthmore’s libraries offer extensive resources, including economic databases and journals, which are crucial for research and coursework.
- The Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility: This center provides resources for students interested in applying their economic knowledge to social issues, promoting community engagement and service learning.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance academic understanding but also prepare students for successful careers in economics and related fields. For more information on the facilities available to Economics students, you can visit the [Swarthmore College Facilities List](https://www.swarthmore.edu/facilities).

Consider applying to Swarthmore College’s Bachelor of Economics program to take advantage of these enriching experiences!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Swarthmore College’s Bachelor of Economics offers a rigorous liberal arts education with an emphasis on critical thinking, theory, and real-world application. Graduates often pursue careers in public policy, academia, consulting, and finance. Typical roles include policy analysts, economic consultants, researchers, and financial advisors. Here’s what makes this program stand out:

  • The Career Services office provides personalized advising, alumni networking, and access to exclusive internships, especially in the Philadelphia and NYC areas.

  • Swarthmore boasts an exceptional graduate employment rate, with most economics graduates pursuing further education or entering prestigious roles soon after graduation.

  • The college maintains close ties with top graduate programs and organizations, facilitating research opportunities and career placement.

  • Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the program is known for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.

  • Alumni have a history of success in competitive graduate schools and influential roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates frequently continue to elite master’s and doctoral programs in economics, public policy, law, or business.


Program Key Stats

$65,058 (Ann
$60
Sept Intake : RD 4th Jan EA/ED 15th Nov


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BCC - CCC
2 - 2.4
18 - 22
55 - 60

900 - 1150
28 - 30
6.5
90
Never Required
No
Eligibility criteria

How US Universities Assess Applicants

Career Options

  • Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategy
  • Investment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banks
  • Data 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 decisions
  • Actuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firms
  • Management Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performance
  • Financial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisions
  • Policy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agencies
  • Quantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisions
  • Certified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporations
  • Economic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizations
  • Marketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporations
  • Financial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategies
  • International Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World Bank
  • Federal 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 Governors
  • Entrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
Career options

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