Economics

Department Overview

At Grove City College, our economics program is built upon the tradition of Austrian economics which incorporates the Tocquevillian belief that holistic understanding of human nature lends great insight to the study and application of economics. The economic analysis that results is far more robust in explaining society than the simplified models of Keynesian and other approaches. Through discussion of culture, poverty, private enterprise, and the function of societal institutions — among countless other topics — your studies will be grounded in reality and informed by the Christian view that humankind is fallen yet full of potential to flourish.

From finance to philosophy, law to public policy, marketing to ministry — a sound understanding of society’s economic underpinnings can profoundly shape your professional impact. In and out of the classroom, you will learn to think more broadly and critically about ideas and hone your observational, analytical, and practical application skills. Our curriculum speaks to current issues while addressing foundational theories and events that have shaped Western and global societies. Thanks to generous elective space, you will have freedom to double major or minor and integrate your studies with a vast array of complementary disciplines. You are also encouraged to study abroad and expand your perspective — something many of our students choose to do at universities in Europe, Asia, and other locations worldwide.

Our faculty offer a blend of expertise and share a passion for teaching the curious, motivated students who come to Grove City College. They are also drawn to the College for its emphasis on realistic theory and the traditional framework associated with the Austrian School of Economics. Committed to objective Truth, faculty are humble and willing to entertain different points of view. As you build and refine your understanding of the world, faculty will guide you in grappling with a host of frameworks — from Classical to Neoclassical, Keynesian, monetarist, institutionalist, and Marxist — and encourage you to form your own opinions as you solidify what you believe. Beyond the classroom, faculty are eager to engage with students as mentors and hosts, forming bonds that last well after graduation.

You’ll find many opportunities to grow professionally and build your resume — from research projects and independent studies to internships with companies and organizations like Bloomberg Financial, Symons Capital Management, the Foundation for Economic Education, Family Research Council, and The Heritage Foundation. You will also be able to present and network at conferences — including the Austrian Student Scholars Conference and the Faith & Freedom Conference annually hosted on campus.

If you’re like 95% of Grove City College graduates, you will be ready to compete for high-impact positions with organizations like Wells Fargo, PNC Bank Corp., Mackinac Center, and the Atlas Network – or continue your studies at top-ranked law schools including Harvard, Chicago, and Michigan, and highly-regarded Ph.D. programs in economics including the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State, Michigan State, and George Mason Universities. Our economics graduates pursue fulfilling careers in business, philanthropy, public policy, and more. Regardless of your career calling, you will have the robust education, honed skill set, and grounded perspective to help society function and flourish.

Department Fact Sheet

Austrian Student Scholars Conference

Austrian Student Scholars Conference

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Economics students practice and develop knowledge through a variety of research opportunities, including independent studies and research assistantships with faculty. Students can select honors and seminar courses tailored to their particular interests and career goals.