Enter OTP
An interdisciplinary major merging economic analysis with historical context. Ideal for students interested in understanding economic developments over time and their societal impact.
Curriculum Structure
Years 1–2: Core Foundations
Introductory micro and macroeconomics
Survey courses in world and US history
Quantitative reasoning and statistics
Years 3–4: Integrated Study
Economic history and development
Historical methods and research
Electives in economics and history
Senior thesis or research project
Focus Areas
Economic history and policy
Quantitative and qualitative analysis
Social and economic change over time
Learning Outcomes
Analyze historical economic trends
Integrate economic theory with historical insight
Prepare for careers in policy, research, or graduate study
Accreditation & Reputation
Offered jointly by Vanderbilt’s Economics and History Departments
Vanderbilt’s combined major explores economic history and its impact on contemporary policy.
Experiential learning includes:
Research projects linking historical data analysis with economic theory.
Use of quantitative tools such as Stata and R in historical economic studies.
Access to Vanderbilt’s Center for Medicine, Health, and Society for interdisciplinary research.
Internship opportunities with museums, archives, and public policy organizations.
Capstone thesis involving archival research and economic analysis.
Vanderbilt’s interdisciplinary Economics and History major develops students' critical thinking and analytical skills, with strong preparation for careers in consulting, law, policy analysis, and financial services. Common job roles include policy advisor, business analyst, investment associate, and historical researcher in economic policy or international affairs. Here’s how Vanderbilt supports your goals:
The Vanderbilt Career Center offers one-on-one advising, industry-specific events, and strong recruiting ties to consulting firms, government agencies, and top finance companies.
Over 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months, with economics-history students often earning $65,000–$75,000 to start.
The program draws on Vanderbilt’s connections to employers like Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, and federal institutions in D.C. for internship and research opportunities.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Vanderbilt’s interdisciplinary degrees hold high prestige across industries.
The major encourages research through the Honors Program and hands-on policy analysis or historical economic projects.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates frequently pursue law school, master’s degrees in public policy, international relations, history, or economics—and are competitive applicants for top graduate programs.
Online Application required, Counselor letter of recommendation and two academic teacher letters of recommendationOfficial high school transcript, Statement of Purpose, personal essay and short answer, Economic Historian – Study historical economic systems and trends to inform academic or policy workPolicy Researcher – Combine historical context with economic analysis to guide modern policy decisionsJournalist – Report on economic issues using analytical and historical perspectivesLegal Analyst – Use economics and historical knowledge to support legal case work or regulatory roles
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Vanderbilt University
