The mission of the Whittier College Department of Economics is to provide an economic perspective and awareness about social issues, to create an appreciation of differing economic viewpoints, to equip students with the tools needed to approach questions logically and methodically, and to solve problems that relate to economic phenomena. The department achieves this mission by offering a range of theory-based and applied undergraduate courses that develop an understanding of the way in which economists address issues. The courses prepare students for a wide variety of careers in education, law, business, and government, and for graduate study in economics.
In encouraging an appreciation of the way in which economists think about and approach issues, the study of economics at Whittier College is rewarding in itself and is an excellent background for a wide variety of careers that include law, business, and government.
The program is designed to provide a rigorous course of study for those interested in pursuing graduate work in economics.
The Economics Department offers an ideal student-to-professor ratio and hands-on learning experiences. Many upper-division economics classes include simulations as well as collaborative learning exercises. Students in most upper-division courses are also responsible for significant research paper assignments. Additionally, economics majors are required to write a senior project.
Students have worked with faculty on research papers that have been submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences such as the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, which is held at local colleges in the fall of each year.
The Department also offers opportunities for students to learn from current leaders in the field of economics through its sponsorship of the Kim Thomas Interdisciplinary Lecture Series. Recent speakers include Colin Camerer (CalTech), Gary Cox (Stanford), Jean Ensminger (CalTech), Michael Chwe (UCLA), Kevin M. Murphy (Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Elizabeth Hoffman (Iowa State University), and Barry Weingast (Stanford University).
Department of Economics Wardman Hall, Second Floor 562.907.4256 562.907.4956 (fax)
