What is the Brown University economics concentration like for undergraduates?

Brown’s economics concentration is a fairly rigorous, theory-and-quantitative undergraduate program with a lot of flexibility in how you shape it. Undergrads usually start with principles courses, move into intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, and then complete econometrics or statistics-based work plus several upper-level electives. Because Brown uses the Open Curriculum, economics students often pair the concentration with math, computer science, public policy, history, or international and public affairs.

In practice, the concentration emphasizes analytical reasoning more than preprofessional training. Students build a foundation in micro, macro, and empirical methods, then choose electives in areas like development, labor, public economics, finance, industrial organization, and international economics. Brown also offers an applied math-econ track and other pathways that can make the program more quantitative depending on your interests.

The academic experience is usually a mix of large lecture courses in the core and smaller, more specialized classes later on. Brown’s economics department is well regarded, and undergraduates can access research opportunities, teaching assistant roles in some settings, and thesis work if they want a more academic capstone experience. The concentration can feel especially strong for students who like combining economics with data analysis or policy questions.

One thing students often notice is that Brown economics can be mathematically demanding, especially beyond the intro level. Taking solid preparation in calculus and statistics helps, and students who want graduate study or more technical work often add linear algebra, multivariable calculus, or coding.