Economics Degree (STEM)

Economics Degree (STEM)

GAIN THE COMPETENCE AND CONFIDENCE FOR SOUND DECISION-MAKING WITH A DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

At Saint Mary's, our Economics program will set you on the path to professional success in the private, public, or nonprofit sector. Whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, you’ll leave here equipped with a comprehensive understanding of economic activity - including the broader global, social, and environmental factors that drive and derail economies - so you can make strategic financial moves now and in the future.

 

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GET YOUR BA OR BS, MAJOR IN ECONOMICS

You can choose between two different degrees in the Economics program at Saint Mary’s: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). Continue reading to compare the BA and BS frameworks.

Bachelor of Arts [BA]

Bachelor of Arts is a social science oriented program that is ideal for students who are planning to pursue further professional studies in Economics, as well as those interested in careers in law, teaching, business, or public and non-profit organizations.

Bachelor of Science [BS]

Bachelor of Science is a program geared toward students who wish to focus on understanding and performing the more quantitative operations of Economics. BS students are required to take one year of calculus and one year of upper-division quantitative analysis.

Business Student for a Day

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Saint Mary's Students on Campus for Business Student for a Day

A Preview of Your Future

Curious about life as a Saint Mary's business student? Our program gives you a firsthand look at SEBA by:

  • Attending real classes led by our esteemed faculty.
  • Meeting current SEBA students for insights on academic and campus life.
  • Enjoying lunch at Oliver Hall and connecting with other students.
  • Touring the campus and exploring its resources.
  • Experiencing the excitement of a Saint Mary’s athletic event.

Dive into the vibrant life of a Saint Mary’s business student!

AACSB Accredited Business School

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photo of saint mary's doctoral graduates
 
 
 
 
 
Among the Top 6% of Business Schools Worldwide

Being among the top 6% of business schools worldwide reflects more than just academic excellence—it embodies Saint Mary’s deep commitment to its Lasallian roots. AACSB accreditation ensures that undergraduate and graduate Gaels receive a rigorous, globally recognized education grounded in ethical leadership, innovation, and service to others. This distinction aligns with our mission to prepare future business leaders who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate changemakers, dedicated to creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Degree Curriculum

Economics, BA

BA

Economics is a social science that uses the techniques and theories from a variety of related fields, such as mathematics, market research, data analysis, psychology, anthropology, sociology and business studies. As a social science, economics explores how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed in society. You'll examine how this decision-making process is impacted when resources are limited. Economics studies a broad variety of topics like income disparities, trade, employment, inflation, economic growth and development, environment, discrimination, recessions, etc. from the vantage point of applied data analysis. Studying economics means you'll graduate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills_highly desirable by employers in many industries. Majoring in economics provides the opportunity to see the world from a unique perspective of data driven analysis regarding resource allocations at the individual, household, business, government, and societal levels. An economics major will help you understand the many intricacies of our increasingly globalized economy and equip you with a combination of skills and insights that employers are demanding more every day: data analysis, mathematics, analytical reasoning and critical thinking, general business operations and trends, strong writing and communication skills. The BA degree in economics is tailored to allow students not only to prepare for job opportunities in the private, public and non-profit sectors, but also to allow flexibility to choose intensive additional course work in the form of economics elective courses, completing a double major or taking multiple minors and certificates.

Learning Outcomes

  • PLO 1: Graduates will be effective economic analysts.
  • PLO 2: Graduates will be able to apply economic theories.
  • PLO 3: Graduates will have well developed critical thinking skills.
  • PLO 4: Graduates will be able to analyze and interpret economic data.

Requirements

Introductory Courses (2 courses, 8 CU)

Take one Microeconomic Principles course:

  • Microeconomic Principles (4 units)
  • Macroeconomic Principles (4 units)

Statistics (1 course, 3-4CU)

To complete the following statistics requirement, take ONE of the following:

  • Probability and Statistics (3 units)
  • Intro Probability & Statistics (3 units)
  • Probability & Statistics (4 units)

Spreadsheets (2 courses, 3 CU)

Take the following:

  • Excel Lab (1 units)
  • Data Management for Economists (2 units)

Upper-division Core (4 courses, 16 CU)

Take ALL of the following required classes to complete the upper division core sequence:

  • Microeconomic Theory (4 units)
  • Macroeconomic Theory (4 units)
  • Econometrics (4 units)
  • Developmnt of Economic Thought (4 units)

Capstone Sequence (2 courses, 8 CU)

Take BOTH of the following classes to complete the capstone sequence:

  • Research Seminar (4 units)
  • Capstone (4 units)

Electives (~2 courses, 8 CU)

Take 8 units from the following elective courses:

  • Microeconomic Theory Lab (1 units)
  • International Economics (4 units)
  • Economic Development (4 units)
  • Comparative Economic Systems (4 units)
  • Banking and Monetary Policy (4 units)
  • Public Finance (4 units)
  • Investments (4 units)
  • Environ & Natural Resource Eco (4 units)
  • Economic History (4 units)
  • Labor Economics (4 units)
  • Industrial Organization (4 units)
  • Multinational Enterprises (4 units)
  • Sports Economics (4 units)
  • Issues and Topics in Economics (2-4 units)
  • Adv. Data Mngmnt for Economist (2 units)
  • Special Study (1-4 units)
  • Internship (1-4 units)

Economics, BS

BS

Economics is a social science that uses the techniques and theories from a variety of related fields, such as mathematics, market research, data analysis, psychology, anthropology, sociology and business studies. As a social science, economics explores how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed in society. You'll examine how this decision-making process is impacted when resources are limited. Economics studies a broad variety of topics like income disparities, trade, employment, inflation, economic growth and development, environment, discrimination, recessions, etc. from the vantage point of applied data analysis. Studying economics means you'll graduate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills_highly desirable by employers in many industries. Majoring in economics provides the opportunity to see the world from a unique perspective of data driven analysis regarding resource allocations at the individual, household, business, government, and societal levels. An economics major will help you understand the many intricacies of our increasingly globalized economy and equip you with a combination of skills and insights that employers are demanding more every day: data analysis, mathematics, analytical reasoning and critical thinking, general business operations and trends, and strong writing and communication skills. The BS degree in economics focuses on providing students with sufficient quantitative background to prepare them for job opportunities in the private, public and non-profit sectors, and for graduate work in economics, data science or related fields.

Learning Outcomes

  • PLO 1: Graduates will be effective economic analysts.
  • PLO 2: Graduates will be able to apply economic theories.
  • PLO 3: Graduates will have well developed critical thinking skills.
  • PLO 4: Graduates will be able to analyze and interpret economic data.

Requirements

Introductory Courses (2 courses, 8 CU)

Take one Microeconomic Principles course:

  • Microeconomic Principles (4 units)
  • Macroeconomic Principles (4 units)

Statistics (1 course, 3-4 CU)

To complete the statistics requirement, take ONE of the following:

  • Probability and Statistics (3 units)
  • Intro Probability & Statistics (3 units)
  • Probability & Statistics (4 units)

Spreadsheets (2 courses, 3 CU)

Take BOTH of the following classes:

  • Excel Lab (1 units)
  • Data Management for Economists (2 units)

Mathematics (2 courses, 8 CU)

To complete the Mathematics requirement of the major, take BOTH of the following courses:

  • Calculus I (4 units)
  • Calculus II (4 units)

Upper-division Courses (6 courses, 21 CU)

Take ALL of the following classes to complete the upper division core sequence:

  • Microeconomic Theory (4 units)
  • Microeconomic Theory Lab (1 units)
  • Macroeconomic Theory (4 units)
  • Methods of Quantitative Analys (4 units)
  • Econometrics (4 units)
  • Developmnt of Economic Thought (4 units)

Capstone Sequence (2 courses, 8 CU)

Take BOTH of the following classes to complete the capstone sequence:

  • Research Seminar (4 units)
  • Capstone (4 units)

Electives (around 3 courses, 12 CU)

Take 12 units from the following elective courses:

  • International Economics (4 units)
  • Economic Development (4 units)
  • Comparative Economic Systems (4 units)
  • Banking and Monetary Policy (4 units)
  • Public Finance (4 units)
  • Investments (4 units)
  • Environ & Natural Resource Eco (4 units)
  • Economic History (4 units)
  • Labor Economics (4 units)
  • Industrial Organization (4 units)
  • Multinational Enterprises (4 units)
  • Sports Economics (4 units)
  • Issues and Topics in Economics (2-4 units)
  • Adv. Data Mngmnt for Economist (2 units)
  • Internship (1-4 units)
  • Special Study (1-4 units)

What can you do with a degree in Economics?

A degree in Economics develops quantitative analysis, data skills, and policy evaluation, preparing you for roles in business, finance, government, and nonprofits. 
(*Some careers may require additional certification or graduate study)

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Saint Mary's Economics Degree Student on Campus

Economic / Policy Analyst
Analyze markets, regulations, and social programs; translate findings into evidence-based recommendations

Financial / Investment Analyst
Build models, value firms or assets, and assess risk/return to guide portfolio or corporate decisions

Data / Research Analyst
Clean and analyze datasets, run statistical tests, and communicate insights with clear visuals and briefs

Public Finance / Budget Analyst
Evaluate revenues and expenditures, forecast scenarios, and advise agencies on efficient resource allocation

Banking / Regulatory Analyst
Monitor credit and liquidity risks, review compliance, and assess impacts of monetary or regulatory changes

Management / Strategy Consultant
Diagnose operational and market issues, quantify opportunities, and present actionable strategies

International Development / Trade Analyst
Study growth, trade flows, migration, and development indicators; support NGOs or agencies on global projects

Sustainability / ESG Analyst
Quantify environmental and social impacts, evaluate policy trade-offs, and inform responsible investment or operations

Labor / Industrial Organization Analyst
Assess wages, employment, competition, and pricing to inform policy, antitrust, or workforce strategy

Economics Degree Testimonial

Saint Mary's Economics Degree Alumni Alexis Heyman

“I am very happy that I was a part of the Economics program during my time at Saint Mary’s. I was constantly surrounded by curious, passionate students, and knowledgeable and supportive professors. What I learned here prepared me to take on my role at the FDIC.”

Alexis Heyman ‘19 Economist USDA

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ECONOMICS DEGREE

Get to know our highly valued faculty and their academic specialties. Or, discover scholarship opportunities for your degree.