Economics: International and Development Concentration, BS
Navigate the economic challenges and growth opportunities facing all countries in the age of globalization.
This streamlined concentration is aimed at students interested in the international nature of economic activity. As a BS degree, it’s perfect for those continuing on into professional studies and the public or nonprofit sectors.
Guided by our renowned, approachable faculty, you’ll wrestle with topics like poverty, inequality, trade, population changes and migration, gaining the communication skills needed to share information with others. You’ll receive plenty of hands-on research opportunities, too, through internships and a semester of studying abroad. All of this takes place within small, discussion-based classes, a hallmark of the liberal arts tradition.
Learn More About Our International & Development Concentration
Get to know our highly valued faculty and their academic specialties. Or, discover scholarship opportunities for your degree.
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What can you do with a degree in Economics: International and Development?
This concentration builds quantitative analysis, global economics, trade and development policy, and research communication, preparing you for roles across governments, NGOs, multilaterals, and mission-driven firms.
(*Some careers may require graduate study or professional certification)
International Development Analyst
Evaluate poverty, inequality, and growth data; recommend policy and program interventions for NGOs or multilaterals
Trade Policy Analyst
Assess tariffs, trade agreements, and supply chains; model impacts on jobs, prices, and competitiveness
Economic Research Associate
Support empirical studies on migration, labor markets, or macro trends; clean data, run regressions, and draft briefs
Program Evaluation Specialist (NGO/IGO)
Design metrics, conduct impact evaluations (RCTs/QUASI), and translate findings into operational improvements
Foreign Service Economic Officer
Report on host-country economic conditions, advise on U.S. trade/investment, and liaise with public/private stakeholders
Microfinance / Inclusive Finance Analyst
Analyze borrower data, portfolio risk, and social impact; guide products that expand financial access
Impact Investment / ESG Analyst
Underwrite mission-aligned investments, build models, and measure social/environmental outcomes
Migration & Population Policy Analyst
Study demographic change, remittances, and labor mobility; inform humane, growth-oriented policies
Global Health Economics Analyst
Cost programs, model disease burden and ROI, and allocate resources for equitable health outcomes
Testimonials
“During my time at SMC, I experienced in-depth research with much support from hands-on faculty members. Not only did my skills in research and development improve, but my ability to articulate and explain complex information and concepts at a high level flourished as well. The aforementioned skills have propelled me to where I am now as an Account Executive for one of the fastest growing tech Startups in Silicon Valley just one year post-graduation.”
Jacob Ricafrente, Class of 2021