When compared to business, social science, STEM, and humanities, the field of economics continues to lag in representation, with little to no improvement indicated over time, said Marionette Holmes, Ph.D., C’90, associate professor and chair of the economics department at Spelman.
There are several factors that led to the low number of African American students enrolled in economic degree programs. Some students are intimidated by the high-level math classes needed to excel in the discipline, and there’s a perception that economics is a dry subject.