# Department of Economics Economics helps provide answers for some of the world’s most pressing questions, from the future of work to ending global poverty to improving the environment. [ Learn more about us arrow\_circle\_right ](/about) [ Give Now arrow\_circle\_right ](https://community.alumni.harvard.edu/give/51647314) ![group of grad students](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/econ/files/home-hero1.jpg?itok=sX9pxjIZ) ## Programs [### Undergraduate ](/undergraduate)The large number of professors and their diverse interests enable a student to study virtually any area of economics. The extraordinary quality of Harvard undergraduates makes the classroom environment stimulating for teacher and student alike. ![Harvard undergraduate student in front of Littauer Center](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/econ/files/littauer_student.png?itok=4qEawMzP) [### Graduate ](/graduate)Supported by a diverse group of faculty who are top researchers in their fields and fueled by a vast array of resources, the PhD program is structured to train and nurture students to become leading economists in academia, government agencies, the technology industry, finance and banking, and global policy organizations. ![student using laptop](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/econ/files/selective-focus-photo-of-man-using-laptop-1438081_1.png?itok=bu0VrDH8) ## At a Glance The Department of Economics is part of the larger academe of teaching and research at Harvard University. 59 Faculty Members 19 Areas of Study 82 Undergraduate Courses 930 Undergraduate Concentrators 48 Graduate Courses 195 Graduate Concentrators ## News and Events [### Harvard Economics Celebrates 25 New Ph.D. Graduates at Harvard University's 375th Commencement ](/news/2026/05/harvard-economics-celebrates-25-new-phd-graduates-harvard-universitys-375th) May 29, 2026 This year's 375th Commencement featured several memorable traditions and special moments, including a performance by the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife and Drum Corps and a Commencement Address delivered by Harvard alumnus and acclaimed television host... ![rendering of econ commencement celebration](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/26_0528_commencement_rendering_small.jpg?itok=HgFSagUH) [### Six Economics Concentrators Receive 2026 Hoopes Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate Research ](/news/2026/05/six-economics-concentrators-receive-2026-hoopes-prize-outstanding-undergraduate) May 12, 2026 The annual Hoopes Prize recognizes exceptional undergraduate work across a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, arts, and history. Established through a gift from the estate of Thomas T. Hoopes, Class of 1919, the prize... ![six hoopes winners](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/26_0512_Hoopes_2.jpg?itok=RhHVWjWk) [### Harvard Economists Elhanan Helpman and John Y. Campbell Elected to National Academy of Sciences ](/news/2026/04/harvard-economists-elhanan-helpman-and-john-y-campbell-elected-national-academy) April 28, 2026 Two distinguished members of the Harvard Economics community have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors accorded to scientists and scholars in the United States. ![elhanan helpman and john campbell](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/26_0428_helpman%20campbell.jpg?itok=8cSbZadJ) [ See all news arrow\_circle\_right ](/news) ## Faculty Spotlight ![John Campbell](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/econ/files/john_y_campbell_headshot.png?itok=BI9iiPTj) The Harvard economics department is a big tent – big enough to include many kinds of people working in many different fields, from finance to economic history, from behavioral economics to political economy, and so much more. Our students and faculty combine these fields in creative ways that are hard to achieve anywhere else. John Campbell Morton L. and Carole S. Olshan Professor of Economics ![claudia goldin](/sites/g/files/omnuum5991/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/econ/files/claudia-goldin_headshot5.png?itok=GuLl6G-j) Harvard undergraduate and graduate students are the finest in the world and are the lifeblood of the department. Every year we get a new group that challenges me to the utmost. I thrive on it. Claudia Goldin Henry Lee Professor of Economics [ See all events arrow\_circle\_right ](/calendar) ## Fields of Study [### Theory ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170415)The study of the application of using hypothetical quantitative economic models. [### Econometrics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170406)The study of developing and using statistical and mathematical tools to analyze economic issues and policy questions. [### Economic History ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170407)The study of how economies and economic outcomes have changed over history and how economic institutions have developed. [### Political Economy ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170413)The study of production and trade and their relations with law, custom and government; and with the distribution of national income and wealth. [### Macroeconomics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170412)The study of the national economy and the determinants of national production, unemployment, and inflation. [### International Economics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170410)The study of the effects upon economic activity from international differences in productive resources and consumer preferences and the international institutions that affect them. [### Behavioral Economics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170404)The study of the cognitive and emotional dimensions of economic decisions.` [### Industrial Organization ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170409)The study of individual markets and the nature of competition. Topics include anti-trust policy, the role of advertising, and how costs vary with the scale of operations. This field also studies particular industries such as software and technology firms, sports, and tourism. [### Economic Development ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170405)The study of why some countries have developed while others have not, with special focus on the world’s less developed countries. How might the industrialized countries improve prospects for development around the world? [### Labor Economics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170411)The study of employers’ decisions to hire workers and employees’ decisions to work. This involves determinants of wages, the incentives workers face, and the role of minimum wage laws, unions, pensions, and training programs. [### Financial Economics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170408)The study of how to value and determine the price of assets with uncertain returns their derivatives and the markets that trade them; the study of how firms finance their operations and the capital structure of firms. [### Industrial Organization ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170409)The study of individual markets and the nature of competition. Topics include anti-trust policy, the role of advertising, and how costs vary with the scale of operations. This field also studies particular industries such as software and technology firms, sports, and tourism. [### Public Economics ](/people?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_economicfields1%3A170414)The study of the role of government in the economy including how to evaluate government programs, the design of tax systems, and how the political process makes decisions.