What's it like to study economics in the USA?

I'm really interested in economics and am thinking of studying it in the USA. What should I expect from college-level econ courses, and which schools are known for having strong economics programs?

Studying economics in the U.S. can be an intellectually stimulating experience. As a field that integrates elements of both social sciences and the quantitative domain, economics offers a variety of coursework that spans theory, application, and quantitative methodologies.

When beginning your journey in studying economics in the U.S., you will typically be introduced to the basic concepts through courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. These courses, often taken in the freshman or sophomore year, will provide you with an understanding of individual market dynamics and larger economic systems, respectively.

As you progress, you will have opportunities to delve into more specialized areas of study such as international economics, development economics, labor economics, or behavioral economics, among others. Most bachelor's programs in economics also require or strongly recommend courses in calculus and statistics, as these are fundamental to economic modeling and econometric analysis.

In terms of coursework intensity, it varies between schools and courses. You may find classes more theoretical and mathematical at some universities, while others may offer a more applied, policy-oriented approach. In terms of workload, be prepared for regular problem-sets, exams, research essays, and the possibility of a senior thesis project.

As for the schools with strong economics programs, many U.S. institutions are renowned for their economics departments. Some of the most historically prominent programs include those at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of Chicago. Other highly regarded programs include those at Harvard University, Princeton University, and UC Berkeley.

However, it's not just these highly selective schools that have strong economics programs; many public universities, including University of Michigan and University of Virginia, also have respected economics departments. It's important to remember that finding the right program for you will depend on your personal interests and economics subfields you want to pursue, not just overall rankings. Take the time to research different department offerings and curricula at the schools you're interested in!