General Information

In this extraordinarily deep and broad program, economics faculty pursue two equally important goals in teaching: first, to educate students in basic economic principles so that they can effectively analyze public issues and be effective contributors to the society; and second, to offer rigorous training for those students who wish to use economics in their careers.

Majors adopt either a general or a mathematical approach to the study of economics. Students may specialize in financial, managerial, international, and industrial economics, or another area of focus. Some classes make extensive use of the computer instruction facilities at the Hahn Computer Center. Also, all courses are kept to a small size to facilitate faculty-student interaction. Students often maintain informal relationships with faculty, and pursue a wide range of academic pursuits.

The Economics Club sponsors career discussions with visiting alumni, and social and sports activities with faculty. The Senior Colloquium has hosted internationally known guest speakers such as Sir John Hicks, Paul Samuelson, Milton Friedman, Kenneth Arrow, James Tobin, and Joseph Stiglitz.

Pomona economics graduates distinguish themselves in graduate programs in economics, business, law, and public administration; some even go on to study medicine. Others have engaged in activities such as organizing an agricultural extension service for drought-ridden areas of Africa, trading yen on the foreign exchange market, and starting retail businesses. Karen Horn, a 1965 Pomona graduate, was the first woman to serve as president of a Federal Reserve Bank, and was chair and chief executive of Bank One of Cleveland, Ohio.