Because Grinnell's economics major is solidly grounded in the liberal arts, you will leave Grinnell well positioned whether you choose to go to graduate school or enter the business world. You will enjoy interdisciplinary study. You will work with faculty who are interested in you and the quality of your work. Although specialized vocational training in business is not available at Grinnell, you will find that courses in accounting, finance, or marketing are easier to come by after graduation than is the ability to think analytically and be effective in persuading othersskills you will gain at Grinnell. Most economics courses at Grinnell lend themselves to individual freedom and initiative in exploring areas of interest within a particular topic.
Some students carry out semester-long independent studies.
Recent projects include studying parkland and property values in Utah, the decline of the Indian tea trade, and the application of macroeconomic models to developing countries. Economic courses are an important part of the college's interdisciplinary concentrations, and economics majors often declare a concentration in environmental studies, technology studies, Latin American studies, global development studies, or gender and women's studies. You will find that coursework in economics provides an excellent background for graduate programs in public policy, law, and business, as well as economics. Students have also worked for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, and served at the Evanston Community Defender Office, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Treasury. Off-campus study provides an excellent opportunity to observe and analyze how economic choices are made in other societies.