Bachelor of Art - ECONOMICS

Economics is the most popular major at Williams. With more than 25 active faculty and a focus on teaching and research, we are considered a leader among U.S. college economics departments. We offer a diverse and innovative curriculum, and we contribute to Williams’ interdisciplinary Political Economy program. We also operate the Center for Development Economics, which offers a one-year master’s degree in policy economics for early-career public servants from developing and transitional countries. Read more about us here.

Wondering what you can do with an Economics major? We asked nine recent Williams alumni to share how they use economics in their current jobs. Watch our video “Where will Economics take you?” to see the varied paths they have taken! For another look at how a background in economics can be a tool for solving human problems, this brief educational video on Economics careers, developed by The American Economic Association, may be relevant and useful.

Established in 1793 with funds bequeathed by Colonel Ephraim Williams, the college is private, residential, and liberal arts, with graduate programs in the history of art and in development economics. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 2,000 students.

The student-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Williams admits U.S. students without regard to their ability to pay. The college meets 100 per cent of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need for four years. Just over half of all Williams students receive financial aid from the college.