International Economics Major

Why study international economics?

The undergraduate international economics major within the College of Arts and Letters allows you to acquire strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills while simultaneously developing cultural understanding and language proficiency.
 
The program provides you with the insights of scientific analysis and social perspective to deepen their understanding of the complex economic forces at work in society to help prepare them for careers in global business, nonprofits, or government, among other options.
 

What we do differently

The international economics major combines rigorous coursework in economics with advanced training in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. You will have opportunities for study abroad, overseas internships, and research projects.

The major focuses on core courses in theory and research methods. The rigorous nature of these courses enables our students to compete in the job and graduate school market with their peers from other top universities. Our students learn how to apply these theories and methods to the world around them. The international economics major goes beyond just the study of numbers. It prepares students for a variety of professional objectives, including careers in data analytics, economic research, public service, and law, as well as managerial positions in business and industry.

Learn more about the requirements for the international economics major.

Language requirements

In addition to the economics requirements, students are required to meet the international economics requirements in a language of their choice. The requirements for each language program can be found on their respective department websites. Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the respective department for additional details.

Programs offered

If you wish to specialize in your studies, the department offers two concentrations. The Concentration in Financial Economics and Econometrics (CFEE) focuses on intensive applied quantitative economic reasoning, directly preparing you for highly competitive roles in investment management, banking, research, and policy-making. Meanwhile, the Evidence-Based Poverty Alleviation Concentration (EBPAC) prepares you for careers in economic research, public policy, and the NGO/governmental sectors by teaching the causal inference and statistical methods essential for analyzing poverty and anti-poverty programs.

There is also an honors track available for eligible students. This highly selective program provides you with an opportunity to pursue a year-long independent research project under the direction of a faculty member, with additional mentorship provided through a senior honors workshop.

Want to get started in international economics?

Contact one of our undergraduate economics advisors for more information.