International Economics

Explore how economic decision-making produces social change worldwide in our international economics major.

In the international economics (IECO) major at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (SFS), you study the behavior of social systems and actors—from markets, corporations and unions to international institutions and government actors—through unified frameworks that combine quantitative techniques with qualitative analysis.

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Overview of the major

Major declaration dates

Sophomore year

Begins: After add-drop in September
Ends: Friday before Spring Break

Curricular dean

Polly Robey

Credits

3 Prerequisite course credits
6 Corequisite course credits
12 IECO major core credits
9 IECO applied course credits
3 Senior seminar credits

Student life

Student experience

Living in DC

Program overview

Our international economics major provides you with a robust understanding of the global economy and prepares you to analyze international economic issues such as trade policy, development, financial markets and migration.

By choosing this major, you will:

Learn about the central tenets of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory
Engage with statistical analysis and its international applications
Investigate fundamentals of international trade and finance
Pursue original projects with a focus on elements of compelling research and writing

Program outcomes

As an IECO major, you will graduate with a comprehensive skill set combining rigorous economic analysis and a deep understanding of global issues. By the time you complete the program, you will be equipped to:

Analyze complex international economic problems using both quantitative and qualitative methods
Contribute to global discussions on topics like financial crises, economic development and global trade
Communicate economic findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, business leaders and scholars
Pursue careers in international development, global finance, consulting and more or continue your studies in graduate programs

Career paths

The international economics major prepares you for leadership positions in various industries such as finance, consulting, law and international development. With a solid foundation in economics, policy analysis and global affairs, IECO graduates succeed in multinational corporations, government agencies, international organizations and think tanks.

Academics

Your path to the IECO major includes a combination of prerequisites, core courses and applied classes that build upon your foundation in economics.

You will understand how economic systems and processes impact the world through courses in international economic theory, policy, finance, commerce, growth, transition and development.

Explore curricular requirements

Students speaking to each other in front of a row of flags

Courses

To get the most up-to-date list of courses available in the IECO program, as well as past course offerings, visit GU Experience and follow these steps:

Go to GU Experience > registration dashboard
Under the schedule of classes section, select browse classes
Select term
In the subject menu, choose international economics
Scroll down and click the class search button to explore available classes

Visit GU Experience

When I arrived at Georgetown, I was certain about my passion for international affairs but uncertain about which specific path to pursue, […] during my introductory economics courses I had a revelation. These classes illuminated the intricate interconnectedness between the global economy and world affairs, showcasing how they profoundly impact everyone’s lives.

Andrea Nucete Alvarado (IECO’24)

Mikey Lopez in uniform with medals, wearing a maroon hat. Behind him the flag of the United States.

I decided to enroll in IECO because of its rigorous academic curriculum. The IECO program is a true ‘Jack of all trades’ — IECO students specialize in mathematics, econometrics, international finance/trade, and international affairs. It is for this reason that IECO students are heavily recruited for finance, consulting, or public service.

Mikey Lopez (IECO’25)

I truly appreciate the diverse range of professors and departments under whom I have taken classes. I can comfortably reach out to members of a number of departments at Georgetown — some of which are not at all directly related to my major […]. The instructors who taught me how to think and argue will forever be assets to my academic and professional development.
Hojoon Kim (IECO’22)

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Faculty

Our faculty in the international economics major have more than academic expertise to share with their students; they have been at the forefront of shaping global economies, whether as senior economists at the World Bank, former international trade negotiators or as top advisors to the federal government on industrial organization.

Anna Maria Mayda

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Charles Udomsaph

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Holger Wolf

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Jenny Guardado Rodriguez

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Joel Simmons

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John Mc Neill

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Joseph Sassoon

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Ken Opalo

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Lindsay Oldenski

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Rodney Ludema

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Rubina Verma

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Shareen Joshi

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Alumni spotlight

Our international economics alumni have built successful careers in finance, consulting, law, management, media, international development, international organizations, research institutes, government, non-profit organizations and academia.

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Andrew Hayashi, Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law

Brendan Mullen, Senior Executive Vice President at the American College of Cardiology

Student resources

Explore opportunities designed to enhance your university experience.

Community in diversity

At the SFS, we are committed to recognizing and celebrating cultural diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

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Career resources

With DC on your doorstep, IECO majors can take advantage of the many internship opportunities in the capital to build real-world work experience.

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Co-curricular opportunities

Through our extensive study abroad and global internship options, explore the important issues of your SFS major in the regions where they are having the greatest impact.

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