I'm really interested in majoring in economics and want to apply to the best econ schools. Which universities have a strong econ program that I shouldn't miss out on?
There are many strong economics programs in universities across the United States. Here are some of them, in no particular order:
1. Harvard University - Known for its long history of excellence in economics. The economics department offers concentrations in traditional economics, business economics, and mathematical economics. Many well-known economists have been associated with the department.
2. University of Chicago - One of the most prestigious economics programs globally, having produced numerous Nobel Prize laureates. They lean towards the Chicago School economic theory, which emphasizes free-market principles.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Offers a strong emphasis on economic research, especially on econometrics and empirical economics strategies. John Nash, the subject of the movie "A Beautiful Mind," and many other Nobel laureates have come out of MIT's economics program.
4. Stanford University - Provides a comprehensive study of economics, offering specializations in finance, public policy, and labor markets. Stanford Economics has a strong record of publishing research that shapes economic policies.
5. Princeton University - The econ department is known for offering rigorous theoretical coursework. Ben Bernanke, the former Federal Reserve Chairman, was a professor here.
6. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) - Standing strong in economic theory and econometrics with many faculty members who have won the John Bates Clark Medal, an honor given to economists under the age of 40.
7. Yale University - Known for its emphasis on macroeconomic theory and econometrics. Yale's economics department is research-oriented and has a long history of producing well-prepared economists.
8. Columbia University - Known for a holistic approach to economics with a strong emphasis on economic history and political economy. Joseph Stiglitz, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2001, is among its faculty.
Remember, while these schools have high-profile economics programs, they are also highly selective. It's important to determine not just the prestige of the program, but whether the program's focus aligns with your own interests within economics. Best of luck with your college search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.