What You’ll Study in the Economics Minor
Study the choices that individuals and societies make about how to allocate their scarce human, natural, and capital resources with an economics minor at Reed. Take courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics, as well as electives. Learn basic analytical techniques and gain the understanding necessary to explain economic phenomena and to evaluate economic policy alternatives.
Why Study Economics at Reed College?
Economic Theories and Their Implications
Economics is a social science that applies scientific methods of analysis to problems of human interaction. Our economics courses blend the presentation of classical and modern economic theories with discussion of empirical tests and policy implications of the theoretical models. Learning both the theoretical framework of economics and its practical applications, with an emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative methods, will prepare you to solve complex real-world problems.
Discover Your Passion
Our faculty have a range of expertise. Discover what energizes you by taking classes in economic history, industrial organization, public finance, labor economics, China’s economy, environmental and natural resource economics, public sector economics, health economics, economics of gender, or urban and regional economics. A more quantitatively heavy track is available to students wanting a deeper experience with quantitative methods and approaches, and there are interdisciplinary options for students interested in using economics in environmental studies or international policy.
The Economics of Farmers and Markets
"My thesis empirically investigates the effects of state-run 'mandi' markets on the market outcomes for farmers in India. Agriculture is often an oligopsony market, where farmers only have a handful of buyers competing for their produce. My thesis shows that proximity to state-run markets improves farmers’ market outcomes as the existence of a viable outside option reduces the market power of private traders."
Meet economics major Aditya Gadkari ’22
