東北大學

Through this combined major, successful undergraduates will develop an awareness of global affairs and international economic issues since the early 20th century through diverse and cross-disciplinary theories of economic development and growth; states, societies, and markets (the intersection of politics and economics); and the role of states, civil societies, and social movements in crafting or addressing economic strategies, inequalities, and citizenship rights.

Economics is the study of how societies produce and exchange goods and services to satisfy needs. Undergraduates may study economics to develop specialized analytical skills useful in today’s complex labor market. Economics is distinguished among the social sciences by having a systematic normative as well as a positive framework for evaluating public policy. The major in economics is also a good foundation for graduate studies in advanced economics, public policy, law, or business.

Macroeconomics, which focuses on the overall economy, deals with such problems as inflation, unemployment, growth and instability, economic development, and governmental monetary and fiscal policies.

Microeconomics examines the economic behavior of individuals, households, firms, industries, and trade among countries. It seeks to assess the economic effects of market power and environmental damage and analyzes the economic aspects of natural resources, poverty, health, income distribution, trade unions, crime, and government regulation.

Courses in economics cover international trade; the behavior of families, firms, and industries in the market economy; the environmental costs of growth; and the economic aspects of natural resources, poverty, health, labor market discrimination, trade unions, crime, and governmental oversight. International and comparative perspectives are emphasized, most directly in courses in studies of the developing world and economic history.

Students may pursue a BA, a BS, or a minor in economics. Additionally, economics majors in their junior year may qualify for admission to the PlusOne program that combines the BA or BS with a MS in economics (requires an additional 16 semester hours of course work). The department also offers combined majors with business administration, cybersecurity, environmental studies, history, international affairs, mathematics, philosophy, computer science, and political science, as well as a combined major in politics, philosophy, and economics.

Graduates may find jobs in major corporations; financial institutions; nonprofits; NGOs; or federal, state, and local governments. Their work may involve planning and forecasting, assessing labor needs, and undertaking financial studies. They may estimate consumer demand for new products, conduct research, teach, or provide specialized consulting services.