I know these are all very competitive and highly selective institutions, but which of them would you guys say are more geared to, or focused more on econ? Is it something where you can’t go wrong, or do some of them really stand out over the others?
Take a look at the course offerings. Consider:
- How much math is used in the intermediate economics and econometrics courses. (More math = better if you want to go on to PhD study.)
- What upper level electives are offered.
Thank you, I will definitely consider that when continuing my search.
NESCAC colleges compose *half/i of the top 10 and 7 (adding Bates and Colby) of the top 20 colleges in this analysis that compares economics departments at liberal arts colleges based on faculty publishing: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html. Trinity (#21) would make a nice safer admit.
For further substantiation, Williams, Middlebury, Hamilton and Wesleyan appear in this ranking that compares departments across a wide size range: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.usecondept.html.
If you have an interest in a specialty field such as environmental economics, Hamilton faculty appears to produce the most scholarship in this area, followed by that at Williams: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.env.html.
By Size of Faculty Roster -
Middlebury - 23
Wesleyan - 20
Colby - 17
Trinity - 17
Hamilton -16
Amherst - 14
Bates - 13
Bowdoin - 13
Conn- 11
(*missing Williams)
^ Faculty Roster:
Williams- 25 regular faculty members, plus additional visiting professors
as per
https://econ.williams.edu/welcome/
Who they are and their specialities:
https://econ.williams.edu/people/
I would add that Williams also offers a interdepartmental major in Political Economy. The Center for Development Economics draws aspiring economists and experts in the field from all over the world. Even though the CDE is a masters program, it is a valuable networking resource for undergraduates interested in international development careers.
Adding Williams to Econ faculty roster list -
Williams - 25
Middlebury - 23
Wesleyan - 20
Colby - 17
Trinity - 17
Hamilton -16
Amherst - 14
Bates - 13
Bowdoin - 13
Conn- 11
@merc81 Thank you for the response! I know it’s not necessarily a specialty field, but I at the moment, I am leaning towards working in the business/financial sector and getting an MBA down the line.
@circuitrider @TheGreyKing Thank you both for your help with the economics department faculty at each school! I will keep that in mind as I keep looking.
@momrath Thank you for the information about Williams and their political economics program! That sounds really great paired with the CDE thing you were talking about.
You could reach your career goals from the NESCAC of your choice, @studentof21. Regarding your actual undergraduate experience, you would find the NESCAC style of education most appealing if, along with your interest in economics, you would like to explore courses in fields such as classics, religious studies, history, government, literature, astronomy, geosciences and physics (or in an equivalent array of diverse areas suitable to your interests).