Path to Teaching Economics and Mathematics at a Liberal Arts College

Teaching economics and mathematics at a liberal arts college requires a combination of rigorous academic qualifications, robust research experience, and excellent teaching skills. This article aims to guide aspiring educators on the necessary steps to achieve a successful career at one of these prestigious institutions.

Competing in an Oversupplied Field

The academic job market can be highly competitive, especially in liberal arts colleges where the supply of qualified candidates often exceeds demand. To stand out, it is crucial to pursue a top-tier graduate program and excel in your academic environment. This includes producing high-quality research that will be recognized by respected academic journals and institutions.

Dissertation Quality Matters

One of the primary criteria for success is the quality of your dissertation. Your dissertation should demonstrate your ability to conduct original, rigorous research that contributes new insights to the field. The discipline of economics, in particular, is more focused on empirical and theoretical rigor than on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or ideological perspectives. Therefore, your work should be characterized by meticulous analytical skills and a commitment to uncovering truth through research.

Specialization and Course Selection

Liberal arts colleges expect their instructors to be well-rounded and specialized. At the university level, you will likely find Faculty members in the Economics Department who have earned their PhDs in Economics, and those in the Mathematics Department who similarly hold their PhDs in Mathematics. This specialization is critical, and it is important to align your research and teaching with these specific fields.

Balancing Economics and Mathematics

If you are passionate about both economics and mathematics, you may consider focusing on a branch of economics that is heavily mathematical. This will allow you to build a strong foundation in mathematics while still pursuing your interests in economics. However, merely having a strong background in economics is not enough; you must also have qualifications in mathematics. If you lack a PhD in mathematics, teaching in the mathematics department is unlikely unless you can offer a course that is cross-listed in both economics and mathematics.

Alternatively, you can focus on a specific area that requires both disciplines, such as econometrics or mathematical finance. These interdisciplinary fields often require both rigorous economic theory and advanced mathematical techniques, making them ideal for candidates with a combined background in both subjects.

Building Qualifications

To become a competitive candidate for teaching positions at a liberal arts college, you must build a solid foundation of qualifications. This includes:

Academic Degrees: Pursue a PhD in a field relevant to both economics and mathematics. This should include coursework, research, and the opportunity to perform independent research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Research Experience: Engage in research projects that can be published in reputable academic journals. This will showcase your ability to produce high-quality, original research that contributes to the field. Teaching Experience: Gain teaching experience through coursework, internships, or teaching assistantships. This will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate complex concepts to students. Professional Networking: Build connections with current faculty members and other professionals in the field. This can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job referrals.

Conclusion

Teaching economics and mathematics at a liberal arts college requires a combination of strong academic credentials, excellent teaching skills, and a commitment to rigorous research. By pursuing a top-tier PhD program, engaging in high-quality research, and developing robust teaching skills, you can position yourself for success in this competitive field. The path to a fulfilling career in academia is challenging but attainable with dedication and hard work.

Keywords: liberal arts college, teaching economics, mathematics qualifications, top 5 programs, rigorous research