Studying economics at Duke

I've been considering Duke as one of my top choices for college, specifically for their economics program. Can anyone who has experience at Duke share how their econ department is? Are there good research/internship opportunities for students? Any opinions would be appreciated!

It's great that you're interested in Duke for its economics program! Duke is known for its strong economics department, and many students have positive experiences studying there. The faculty is comprised of experienced and engaged professors who conduct research in various fields of economics, such as labor economics, public finance, and econometrics. No matter what subfields within economics are of most interest to you, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field who can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your time in the program.

In terms of research opportunities, Duke offers plenty of opportunities to work closely with faculty on research projects through independent study or as a research assistant. You can even conduct your own research and pursue an honors thesis during your senior year. Research can be a great way to delve deeper into your passion for economics and prepare for post-graduate studies or a career in a data-heavy field related to economics.

Duke also has a strong network of internship opportunities, with many students securing internships at top companies and organizations during their time at the university that sometimes even lead to full-time offers after graduation. Duke's career center and alumni network can help connect you with potential employers, and the school frequently hosts job fairs and networking events to help facilitate these connections. Additionally, the location in Durham, NC, gives you access to a vibrant and growing business community.

Moreover, Duke's economics program offers a variety of elective courses that allow you to explore your interests in depth, such as environmental economics, health economics, and international trade. These electives can help you tailor your education to your specific goals and interests.

In summary, Duke's economics department is well-regarded, and provides students with quality education, research opportunities, and a wealth of resources to secure internships. The diverse course offerings and supportive faculty make it an excellent choice for studying economics, so it's definitely worth considering as one of your top choices!

If you decide Duke is the place for you and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down each of Duke's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-duke-university-essays/. After all, Duke is a highly selective school, and at such institutions, the essays are often just the thing that distinguish one qualified applicant from another. Best of luck with your college search!