Program Overview
Economics
Identify problems, analyze solutions, put theory into practice.
A Field with Real World Applications
100% of majors complete an original research project
Futures in Business
Oberlin’s concentration in business prepares students for a range of pathways in entrepreneurship, technology, entertainment and more.
For 8 years running Oberlin has placed graduates in the Federal Reserve System
Learn from Academic and Industry Leaders
From invited speakers to alumni mixers, meet luminaries in policy, academia, and business.
Featured Courses
Econ 101
Principles of Economics
This course introduces you to the fundamental concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You’ll explore how the demand and supply model determines prices and allocates resources. You’ll look at public policies that address imperfections in the economy. And you’ll learn the basics behind inflation, unemployment and the business cycle.
- Taught by
- Maggie Brehm
Econ 211
Money, the Financial System and the Economy
How are financial markets, financial institutions, the Federal Reserve and the economy linked? You’ll begin by looking at the role of money in the economy. You’ll learn how interest rates and exchange rates are determined. And you’ll see how monetary policy can be used to tackle recessions and address inflation.
- Taught by
- John V. Duca
Econ 322
Public Economics
The public sector plays a dominant role in our lives. This course uses microeconomic analysis to examine the rationale for public spending. You’ll supplement theory with discussions on relevant public policy issues (public education, health care reform, social security, and so on). You’ll also look at different ways in which governments collect revenue through taxation.
- Taught by
- Ron Cheung
Econ 435
Seminar in Behavioral Economics and Public Policy
This seminar examines behavioral economics, with a focus on public policy responses. Do people act in their own interest? If they don't, can government restrictions improve well-being? We will study topics that include cigarette taxes, social media use limitations, and gambling restrictions. As with all 400-level seminars, you’ll write an original research paper under the direction of your professor.
- Taught by
- Timothy Hyde
Obies in Economics
Nobel Prize in economics awarded to Joshua Angrist ’82
Joshua Angrist ’82 has won the Nobel Prize in economics for “methodological contributions to the analysis of causal relationships.”
Recent Alumni
From Oberlin to MLB
As a coach for the Cincinnati Reds, Max Anastasio '23 uses the data analysis skills he learned as an economics major.
Prepare for future studies
Sherry Miao ’23--currently pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard University--credits her undergrad at Oberlin as an excellent foundation for graduate school.
Creating positive change
Longing to make a difference in the world, economics major Omukoko Okoth '25 choose Oberlin for its values and opportunities for innovation.
What does Economics at Oberlin look like?
In the Oberlin Student Finance and Investment Club, students manage part of Oberlin’s endowment—a portfolio of stocks worth about $350,000.
Photo credit: Anna Norris
Professor Eric Lin leads a seminar on Business Management.
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97
In a weekend Training the Street workshop, students learn the basics of financial modeling from industry professionals.
Photo credit: William Bradford
Learn the fundamentals of demand and supply in your Principles of Economics class, full of real-world examples and policy applications.
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97
Next Steps
Get in touch; we would love to chat.
