Like the field itself, an economics thesis can be intimidating. Accuracy is imperative. A strong thesis that stands up to argument and challenge is a necessity. An economics thesis has little room for subjectivity. The mathematics and statistics involved are black and white; you have to get it right. Get it wrong and your thesis statement implodes. But get it right, and you not only earn your degree but the accomplishment and respect of your advisors. Do really well and you may have a publishable paper that can start you off on a promising career in the field.
But first things first. Dreams of publication and an honorary seat on the board of Harvard’s economic department can wait. You need to come up with a good solid topic to get the ball rolling. Something you feel comfortable with. Something that interests you. Something for which you can come up with 30 to 40 pages of writing that is focused and polished and, preferably, something that you can create original research for.
But- the topic. Some strong economic thesis topics include:
Once you have chosen your topic and the advising faculty to accompany on your writing journey, the two of you together need to come up with an attack plan. Decide which journals and texts will most benefit your research and study. Make sure that your economic thesis statement is not so broad that you will have a hard time choosing which texts to discuss. Find experts on your subject matter locally or via the internet and interview them, pick their brains. Be as thorough as possible and document every single piece of information that you even consider using.
Create original research through statistical analysis, surveys, and studies. Conduct interviews. Find out everything you possibly can about your topic. Don’t stop until you have exhausted your resources. When that happens, discard piece by piece after careful consideration. Write sample sections and re-arrange those sections until each one logically follows the one that precedes it. Back up all your claims with numbers and verifiable mathematics so that anyone who follows your attack plan will end up with the same conclusion that you did. Cover all your bases and you will end up with an economics thesis so strong that your advising committee will pass you with flying colors.