What should I know about studying Economics at Barnard College?

I've been considering Barnard College for its economics program and wanted to gather some insights on what to expect there. Does the economics department have a strong reputation? How are the professors and the overall academic vibe? I'd also love to hear about any unique opportunities that the program or the college offers, like internships or special seminars. I'm trying to get a comprehensive picture to see if it fits well with my aspirations.

Barnard College's Economics Department is renowned for its strong faculty and well-rounded course offerings. The department provides students with a wide range of topics to explore in their economic studies, including economics of education, urban economics, and international finance, among others. This breadth of classes allows students to dive deep into their unique interests and specialize within the field.

The department prides itself on maintaining a strong faculty that is both academically impressive and extremely accessible to students. Many students praise the opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue and receive personal guidance from their professors. The curriculum is rigorous and thought-provoking, encouraging students to apply economic theories to real-world issues.

One of the unique features of studying Economics at Barnard is the opportunity to take courses at Columbia University, due to Barnard's affiliation. This allows students to expand their academic horizons and learn from a broader pool of professors and experts in the field. This affiliation also provides students access to Columbia's extensive resources, including research centers, libraries, and guest lectures.

The department frequently organizes seminars where globally recognized economists present their research. This offers students the chance to immerse themselves in the latest economic discussions.

In terms of internships, while the department itself does not offer specific programs, Barnard’s location in New York City provides ample opportunities for internships in finance, consulting, and policy-oriented organizations. Moreover, the Beyond Barnard office provides robust career counseling and internship resources, which actively supports students in obtaining internships and jobs.

Lastly, students have the chance to conduct independent research, work as research assistants for professors, or even co-author research papers. Some students also pursue an honors thesis in their senior year, which provides an opportunity to delve deeply into a specific topic of interest.

Bear in mind that the program is rigorous and requires a good amount of mathematical expertise. Thus, a strong foundation in mathematics would greatly benefit students in this course of study.