Economics
Hollins economics majors have achieved success in a variety of professions. Many graduates go on to high-level careers in management and finance. They also earn acceptance into the business school, law school, or other graduate schools of their choice. A strong liberal arts education gives graduates the ability to flourish in a competitive job market.
Tracks
Economics Major
Students earning their economic degree will learn to understand global economic issues and perspectives. They’ll also be able to sort through and define characteristics that affect our markets, large or small.
Minor in Economics
This minor requires five courses that focus on the principles of markets. You’ll primarily learn about the differences between large and small markets and their functions.
Minor in International Economics
This minor focuses on markets outside the United States. It also emphasizes the impact of international politics on their economies.
Student Learning Goals
- Identify an economic problem by demarcating it within time and space
- Ascertain the use and limitations behind market forces in assigning scarce resources to economic activities
- Acknowledge the importance of economic systems other than the market for an efficient, equitable and sustainable use of scarce resources
- Understand leading macroeconomic fiscal and monetary policies
- Acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses behind alternate policies to achieve higher employment with low inflation
- Effectively communicate in a variety of formats the scope and use of different economic theories over a variety of social and economic problems
What You'll Learn
Prepared Me for my ongoing and future goals
Both the business and economics programs were instrumental in developing my confidence in a business atmosphere and in taking leadership in group projects. I was lucky enough to have entered the business world as a researcher directly following graduation. Not only was I fully prepared and comfortable with my research position, thanks to the teachings of the department of economics and business, but I was able to quickly move up in my team and take on several leadership positions in different research projects. Hollins has prepared me for my ongoing and future career goals in the business world and am forever grateful for the invaluable lessons that helped me hone my skills in professionalism, perseverance, research, and leadership.
Sydney Clark '19, Client Relationship Consultant in the Research Department of CoStar Group, Inc.Tackling Socioecological Issues Through An Ivy League Program
Pursuing a Ph.D. will allow me to grow as an environmental and resource economist. I will be contributing to current research efforts where the goal is achieving sustainable solutions that build climate change resilience and formulate environmental and economic policies.
Lan Nguyen ’18, who has earned acceptance into Dartmouth College’s graduate program in ecology, evolution, ecosystems and societyA Supportive Atmosphere
At Hollins, I was highly encouraged and inspired by my professors in the economics department. The small classes guarantee active and close interactions between professors and students, and mentors and tutors are always there to help when questions come. Moreover, the cross-disciplinary culture at Hollins helped me to expand my horizon and provided opportunities to explore in other fields besides my majors.
Wenti Du, Assistant Professor of Economics, Akita International UniversityStrong Preparation for Grad School
When I returned to school to get my M.B.A., I found that I not only had the business acumen to run with alumni from larger schools, I was better prepared to lead teams, navigate ambiguous situations, and look at problems from multiple viewpoints.
Jennifer Roberts, business development manager, Riverside Health Systems
