Economic Development explores how countries grow and improve living standards over time. You'll study factors like industrialization, trade, education, and institutions that drive economic progress. The course covers theories of development, poverty traps, inequality, and the role of international organizations. You'll analyze case studies of successful and struggling economies, and debate policies to promote sustainable growth.

Is Economic Development hard?

Economic Development can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The concepts aren't too math-heavy, but you'll need to grasp complex theories and apply them to real-world situations. Some students find it tricky to keep up with all the different development models and their critiques. The hardest part is often analyzing data and writing policy papers, but if you're interested in global issues, you'll probably find it engaging.

Tips for taking Economic Development in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Keep up with current events in developing countries
Practice applying theories to real-world examples (e.g., use the Solow growth model to analyze China's development)
Form a study group to discuss complex topics like the Prebisch-Singer hypothesis
Watch documentaries like "Poverty, Inc." or "The End of Poverty?"
Read "Poor Economics" by Banerjee and Duflo for accessible insights
Use economic data from the World Bank or IMF for assignments
Don't just memorize theories; understand how they relate to each other

Common pre-requisites for Economic Development

Principles of Microeconomics: This course introduces supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. It lays the foundation for understanding individual economic decisions.
Principles of Macroeconomics: Here you'll learn about national income, inflation, and economic growth. This class provides the big-picture view of how economies function.
International Economics: This course covers trade theory, exchange rates, and global economic policies. It's crucial for understanding how countries interact economically.

Classes similar to Economic Development

Development Economics: Focuses more on microeconomic aspects of development, like household decisions and program evaluation. You'll learn about randomized controlled trials and behavioral economics in developing countries.
International Political Economy: Explores the intersection of politics and economics in global affairs. You'll study trade agreements, international organizations, and how political decisions shape economic outcomes.
Environmental Economics: Examines how economic principles can address environmental issues. It covers topics like sustainable development, resource management, and climate change economics.
Urban Economics: Analyzes economic issues specific to cities and regions. You'll learn about agglomeration economies, housing markets, and urban development policies.

Economics: Focuses on understanding how resources are allocated and how economies function. Students learn to analyze data, build economic models, and evaluate policies.
International Relations: Studies global politics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions. Students explore how economic development affects international relations and vice versa.
Public Policy: Examines how governments address social issues through laws and programs. Students learn to analyze policy impacts and design effective interventions, including those related to economic development.
Global Studies: Offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues. Students explore cultural, political, and economic aspects of globalization and development.

What can you do with a degree in Economic Development?

Development Economist: Analyzes economic data and designs policies to promote growth in developing countries. They might work for international organizations, governments, or NGOs.
Policy Analyst: Evaluates the effectiveness of development programs and recommends improvements. They often work for think tanks, government agencies, or consulting firms.
Microfinance Specialist: Develops and manages small-scale lending programs in developing areas. They help provide financial services to people who might not have access to traditional banking.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: Develops and implements sustainable business practices in developing markets. They work to ensure companies have a positive impact on local communities.