Curriculum Overview
Economics students begin their studies with an overview of economic principles and the mathematical foundations of economics. As they advance in their degree program, students explore economics on a global scale, investigate the ways ethics and economics intersect, learn how to understand and utilize econometric techniques, and learn how human decision-making behavior is viewed from an economic perspective.
In the first two years of study, you complete foundational courses in all the essential areas of economics and politics. Choosing to study at an advanced level in economics in the final two years involves the completion of courses in econometrics, behavioral economics, ethics and economics, development economics and the distribution of resources. Economics students at Bard College Berlin have the opportunity to pursue courses in a wide range of disciplines in the arts and humanities. Preparations for the final-year thesis project can also include a period of practical training or internship placement.
Sample Courses
Study Abroad Opportunities
Economics students can spend up to two semesters abroad in their third year. Many students opt to pursue an internship in New York City with the Bard Globalization and International Affairs (BGIA) Program. Within the Erasmus exchange program, Economics students also have the unique opportunity to study at the University of Bologna, which offers students courses ranging from Economics and Politics to more broad studies of social science. Or, students may opt to study at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, which offers a wide breadth of economic coursework in an American liberal arts context. Other study abroad destinations for students in the Economics concentration include:
- Central European University (CEU)
- Sciences Po
- Amsterdam University College
- Leiden University College
- University College Utrecht
Economics Faculty
Economics Alumni/ae
Students who graduated from the Economics EPST BA program have gone on to:
Zuka Bakradze '20
Currently: Global Supply Manager at Tesla
"BCB definitely influenced my career path by equipping me with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. These skills have been invaluable in my roles, currently managing complex manufacturing processes and negotiate with suppliers at Tesla. The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning at BCB helped me approach problems from multiple angles, enhancing my ability to develop innovative solutions."
Imani Faber '23
Currently: Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy Masters at WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
"Origins of Political Economy was taught by an amazing professor and she gave me so much contextual knowledge that I feel has shaped how I understand political and economic thought."
Salma Houmane '23
Currently: MS at Potsdam Universität in EPQM: Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods and Data Analyst at GLS Studio
"Studying at BCB, even as an economics and politics major, is like embarking on a philosophical journey where you're encouraged to question everything, step out of your comfort zone, and engage deeply in discussions that challenge your perspectives and broaden your horizons. These are skills you cannot gain in a public German university following an economics program."
Dina Toubasi '18
Currently: Executive Economist at Deloitte
"As an Economics student, I learned to consider issues of social justice and ethics, and confidently express my opinions. Bard encouraged me to speak out whenever I witnessed injustice, and to embrace uniqueness and difference when I encountered them. My experience at Bard armed me with knowledge, and nurtured my curiosity."
Michal Stroka '18
Currently: Director of Korean Operations in Seoul for CzechInvest and CzechTrade, two Czech state agencies for business development
"Bard College Berlin provided me with the basic and practical economic education upon which I can easily build, so that I can then specialize in any direction I want. Furthermore, the liberal arts approach broadened my understanding and awareness of where and how economics fits within our societies. This, I believe, provided me with an advantage in the labor market as well as my future studies."