Our department is unique in many intentional ways.
Our department seeks a pluralistic and inclusive approach to understanding economics, business, socio-political and ecological problems. There is more than one way to understand how an economy works. There are multiple ways to determine the material outcomes in the world. Our core coursework is designed to expose students to “think like an economist” but also move beyond that frame when the context necessitates. In our core and elective courses, we highlight the limitations of one way of thinking. We encourage our students to explore other ways of knowing the world. This is why, the department faculty has always had a strong history of creating, sustaining, and contributing to interdisciplinary programs like Global and International Studies, Gender Studies, Urban, and Environmental Studies as well as Statistical and Data Sciences.
Our curriculum is designed and rooted in the practical and empirical.
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- ALL students complete a rigorous sequence of quantitative learning courses. They are trained in the use of STATA, and other data analysis tools. The strong quantitative training means that students that choose the Economics Major are STEM Eligible.
- Collaborative learning, simulations, individual and group writing projects, and other active learning techniques are championed. This training prepares students towards Wooster’s iconic junior/senior experience as well as develop qualities that employers seek.
- Students are mentored and advised to incorporate curricular and co-curricular opportunities to apply what they learn and learn by doing from their first year right through to their senior year..
- In their junior and senior year ALL students work independently with a faculty advisor on a senior project of their choosing. The department supports student designed research projects with funding from a variety of endowed funds. Many of our students publish their work and also present at national economics conferences.
- The department is committed to inclusion. A small (but important example) of our efforts is WWGME!
- Complimenting the academic curriculum is one of the nation’s oldest student-managed investment club. Students manage an investment portfolio of over $13 million of the College’s endowment. The earnings fund international student scholarships.
- Students have multiple opportunities for internships through APEX and Career Services as well as the opportunity for Off Campus Study. Department Faculty curate and advise many of these internship experiences.
- The Wilson Lecture Series brings prominent business leaders to campus to teach a class, meet with students, and provide public lectures. CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Federal Reserve Board members, nonprofit presidents, and entrepreneurs have all been part of this series.