{"id":8785,"date":"2026-02-09T15:56:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/?page_id=8785"},"modified":"2026-04-13T15:55:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T19:55:55","slug":"economics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/majors-and-minors\/economics\/","title":{"rendered":"Economics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Visit the full Economics site<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Whether through exploring market dynamics, inequality, or environmental sustainability, students within the Department of Economics learn to examine how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our program is designed to foster “intelligent citizenship” and rigorous scholarship, equipping students with the tools to analyze complex human behavior and social issues. Policy makers in business, government, and the nonprofit sector frequently evaluate complex economic issues. The economics major culminates in a senior thesis, where students apply their cumulative knowledge to an original research question, ensuring every graduate leaves our program with deep, practical expertise in the discipline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Us<\/h5>\n\t

Matt Von Vogt, Academic Administrative Assistant
\n4 Andrews Rd
\nPettengill Hall
\n Phone: 207-786-8296\n<\/span>mvonvogt@bates.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>

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What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to think critically, communicate effectively, and research capably<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To understand how to use micro- and macroeconomic models to analyze behavior and aggregate phenomena<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To employ statistical and econometric techniques to test hypotheses and interpret data-driven evidence<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To apply economic concepts to pressing real-world problems\u2014from healthcare and development to financial crises and social justice \u2014 while considering diverse perspectives<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To articulate complex economic arguments clearly in both written and oral forms for various audiences<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To formulate original research questions, locate relevant data, and execute a professional-grade study<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Life After Bates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Our graduates consistently secure placements at top organizations and graduate schools. More than two-thirds of economics majors eventually pursue further study, with acceptances to top MBA and Ph.D. programs. Alumni have embarked on their careers at top firms, research institutes, and governmental departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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94%<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and\/or attending graduate school \u2014 settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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My choice to double major in biochemistry and economics reflected curiosity more than a clear plan, and the Bates environment encouraged me to connect those interests. Science taught me to think critically and sit with uncertainty, while economics helped me understand systems and decision-making. Now, I bring that scientific mindset into finance, helping set business strategy by grounding decisions in data.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Johannes Schwarz \u201825<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Selected Places of Employment\/Service<\/h6>\n\n\n\n