Department of Economics

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From healthcare to the environment to law, economic theories help make sense of complex issues. In USC College’s economics department, economic theory is intertwined with practical models to address concepts across many disciplinary boundaries.

In this original approach to research, scholars are developing analytical models to explain broad concepts, such as human behavior. Theories like the economics of happiness and the economics of uncertainty were honed within College walls. Emphasis is placed on practical economic research, such as how economics can be used to better understand business contracts and competition within industries.

Faculty counsel corporations, nations and local governments on pertinent economic issues, such as telecommunications policy and the effects of government regulation. Many have joint appointments in business, math, and policy, planning and development.

On a macroeconomic level, scholars are researching public finance, monetary theory and regional economics, with particular emphasis on the economies of East Asia. On a microeconomic level, econometrics models are being developed to better understand behavior of firms and consumers, monopolies, international trade, poverty and the environment.

Building upon the multidisciplinary approach that defines the College, advanced degrees are offered in pharmaceutical economics and policy, and political economy and public policy. The department also sponsors joint programs in economics and law.

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