Economics - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Professor Aine McCarthy teaches the Grossman Model of health investments in ECON 312 Global Health Economics.
Econ students participating in a Federal Open Market Committee meeting simulation.
Home / Academics / Economics Economics Our program uses foundational and contemporary economic theory to hone your skills in analytical thinking, quantitative assessment, writing, and speaking. In our rigorous but supportive environment, faculty share your enthusiasm and excitement for the application of economics to a broad range of issues. Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in Economics? Majoring or minoring in economics will help you develop an analytical toolkit for thinking critically about complex economic, political, and social issues. If you earn an economics degree at Lewis & Clark, you will be able to use economic theory to form rigorous hypotheses, collect relevant data, use empirical and quantitative methods to test and interpret those hypotheses, and communicate those analytical results in a range of formats. Students majoring or minoring in economics graduate with a BA and an excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Apply Visit What You’ll Study Our interdisciplinary curriculum begins with an introduction to the methods and questions of economics. Students are then encouraged to explore the range of electives and core courses offered, choosing one of three concentrations (international, public policy, or theory) or electing to pursue a general economics degree. We facilitate and encourage student research at all levels, including as research assistants in faculty research, as partners in student-faculty research collaborations, and as independent student researchers under the guidance of a faculty member. Many of our students earn course credit toward their economics degree while on an overseas program . Outside the classroom, we offer robust experiential learning opportunities through internships that give our students the chance to put economic concepts to work in real job environments. Students in our program have interned at American Express Financial Advisors, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Cadmus Group Portland, ECONorthwest, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oregon Environmental Council, and Puma AG, among other businesses and agencies. We also host the annual Mattersdorff-Steinhardt lecture for the campus community, given by a distinguished economics scholar chosen by the faculty. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Economic Development
This class effectively ties my two majors and interests, economics and international affairs together and I would recommend it to others interested in either subject.
Political Economy with Professor Elizabeth Bennett
As an economics major, I was always drawn to the human side of economics; who’s impacted, who’s influencing policy, and how power operates behind the scenes.
Minor: Political Economy, Rhetoric and Media Studies
Favorite Class
Immigration and Asylum Law with Elliott Young
The course introduces students to immigration and asylum law system in the United States. I worked with another student, in partnership with a real-world and active asylum case, to help contribute expert witness testimony on country conditions. The course solidified my interest in law or immigration advocacy, which I am currently planning on pursuing post-grad.
Minor: Latin American and Latino Studies; Hispanic Studies (double)
Favorite Class
Philosophy Ethics with Associate Professor Joel Martinez
]I was expecting to answer the popular dilemma: intentionally kill one person or do nothing and kill five. Funny enough, this scenario did come up but the class was so much more than that. We discussed a range of topics from Aristotle’s views on happiness to the morality of abortion. After this class I felt more open-minded and more confused, but the latter was definitely the intention.
This was an extremely hard class for me, and I initially had to drop it. As the class was mandatory for the economics major, I had to retake it. I started meeting with a tutor twice a week and always went to office hours, and before I knew it I got an A. I loved this class because of the microeconomics principles I learned but also because of the life lesson I learned: if it’s hard don’t give up; instead, find a different way.
Latinoamérica y España: de la ilustración a la edad moderna with Associate Professor Freddy Vilches
His teachings about literary movements rebelling against oppressive regimes or social norms from the 18th century to present have allowed me to contextualize the diverse array of Latin American identities within social, political, and historical contexts. His emphasis on the works of historically marginalized voices across Latin America and Spain are truly an asset in creating a classroom culture of inclusivity, critical thinking, and discussion-based learning.
Technology, Institutions, and Economic Growth with Associate Professor Clifford Bekar
He’s an engaging lecturer, and the class covers fascinating topics of the last 10,000 years of history in a theoretical way that uses more abstract thought than other math or econ courses.
Minor: Middle East and North African Studies and Data Science (double)
Favorite Class
The Global South
As someone from the Middle East, my academic studies and knowledge were predominantly centered on the Middle East and North Africa. This class provided me with an opportunity to examine the broader region of the Global South, which includes a diverse group of countries and cultures.
Major: International Affairs and Economics (double)
Favorite Class
The Art of War with Professor Bob Mandel
The course mostly focused on in-class discussion guided by the professor. We debated topics such as what should and shouldn’t be allowed in warfare, and where to draw moral lines. The class gave me the tools to facilitate constructive debate and the opportunity to hear new viewpoints.
Minor: Undecided with an interest in environmental studies and theatre
Favorite Class
Economic Development with Professor Aine Seitz McCarthy
This class opened my eyes to how quantitative and economic analysis can be applied to strategically fund and implement development projects. I would highly recommend the course to students from any major who are interested in studying a more quantitative approach to the field of development.
Urban Economics taught by Professor Arthur O’Sullivan
I find it so interesting to apply economic models to real-world issues to better understand them, and to help come up with potential solutions to real world problems. This course covered relevant issues including houselessness, social norms, transportation, crime, and more.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our economics majors are data science , entrepreneurial leadership and innovation , and mathematics . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark All of my professors are experts in something completely different, which has allowed me to explore numerous possible career fields. Lucinda Law BA ’24 Economics | Latin American and Latino Studies; Hispanic Studies (double) | Chico, California More about Lucinda Being an economics major gives me the opportunity to explore social and policy-related questions through both data-based and theoretical lenses. Lily Cahill BA ’26 Economics | Data Science | Denver, Colorado More about Lily My favorite class was Political Economy with Professor Elizabeth Bennett. As an economics major, I was always drawn to the human side of economics; who’s impacted, who’s influencing policy, and how power operates behind the scenes. Henry Goodier BA ’23 Economics | Political Economy, Rhetoric and Media Studies | Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania More about Henry What Can You Do With a Degree in Economics? Our alumni use their BA in economics in a variety of careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Others transfer the rigor and creativity cultivated in their undergraduate experience into advanced degrees, competitive fellowships, Fulbright grants, and Rhodes scholarships. Students majoring in economics can take advantage of our partnership with Portland State University , which offers an accelerated track to earn a master of science in finance (MSF). This program allows students to begin the application process in their junior year, and provides waivers for both the application fee and the GMAT/GRE requirement. The program includes robust job placement services. Many of Portland State’s MSF students go on to work at globally focused organizations, presenting an excellent opportunity for graduates to apply the critical-thinking skills and global literacy they develop at Lewis & Clark to their careers. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Our economics faculty offer expertise in a variety of topics, including environmental economics, labor economics, game theory, financial markets, radical political economy, business cycles, public finance, poverty, international trade and finance, econometrics, development economics, economic history, economics of technology, and urban economics. Faculty have active research programs, have published articles in a range of outlets, and regularly speak at local and international policymaking gatherings and national academic conferences. Meet the Professors The economics major is worth the challenge to gain the skillset and economic perspective that is both highly valued by the job market and critical for a changing world. Associate Professor of Economics Aine McCarthy More about Aine U.S. News Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list . 12% of our students are from countries other than the U.S. 4-5-6 Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future. 96% Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps. 2,139 As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College. Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition. Find Your People The Society of Economists is a student organization that welcomes all those interested in learning, debating, and pondering economics. Their activities include attending economic conferences, inviting speakers and comedians to campus, field trips, and movie nights. Sometimes they meet to explore a subject like game theory or behavioral economics, and sometimes they meet just to eat some pizza! Lewis & Clark gave me a lot of confidence to express my ideas, opinions, and intentions. I think my favorite thing that I learned was the ability to problem solve. Skylar Golleher BA ’21 Economics and Environmental Studies (double) | Little Rock, Arkansas More about Skylar L&C taught me to never shy away from voicing my perspective—because your perspective matters even if 99 percent of the people in the room would disagree with you Annika Clunk BA ’20 Economics, German Studies (double) More about Annika The combination of various classes offered, the resources on campus, and the personal approach of the staff helped me find what I’m most passionate about and pursue it. Yoana Stoyanova BA ’20 Economics | Sofia, Bulgaria More about Yoana Featured News Senior Speaker: Diego Flores Hernandez BA ’26 Diego Flores Hernandez BA ’26 will address graduates at the College of Arts and Sciences commencement on May 9. Read the story More News and Events → Eric Tymoigne Associate Professor of Economics and Chair of Economics etymoigne@lclark.edu 503-768-7629 Economics LinkedIn Group Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
