B.S. in Economics

Program Overview

The B.S. in Economics at Saint Mary's College is a four-year undergraduate program distinctively geared toward students who desire a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of economics. It provides a comprehensive understanding of economic activity, including the broader global, social, and environmental factors that influence economies. Students are equipped to analyze topics such as income disparities, trade, employment, inflation, economic growth, and development from the vantage point of applied data analysis. The program is designed to develop highly desirable analytical and problem-solving skills, making graduates attractive to employers in diverse industries.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics program at Saint Mary's College of California is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa. It makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, allowing an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months. This provides international graduates with up to three years of valuable practical experience in their field within the U.S.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) at Saint Mary's College of California is accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). AACSB accreditation is a globally recognized hallmark of excellence, representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. This accreditation ensures that the B.S. in Economics program meets rigorous standards of quality, relevance, and continuous improvement, providing graduates with a highly respected and globally recognized credential.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Economics curriculum at SMC is quantitatively intensive. It includes foundational economics courses such as Microeconomic Principles and Applications, and Macroeconomic Principles and Applications. A key differentiator for the B.S. track is the requirement for one year of calculus (e.g., Calculus I) and one year of upper-division quantitative analysis. This quantitative focus is further bolstered by courses like Probability and Statistics and Excel Lab. Students can also choose from concentrations such as "International and Development" or "Sustainability," allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of economic application. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and applied data analysis.

Research Focus: The B.S. in Economics program at Saint Mary's College of California has a strong applied research focus, particularly through its emphasis on quantitative analysis and data. While not traditional scientific laboratory research, students learn to use sophisticated tools and methods to analyze economic phenomena and problems. The curriculum's focus on "econometrics and quantitative economics" highlights the systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis in an economic context. This involves economic statistics, optimization theory, cost/benefit analysis, economic modeling, and economic forecasting and evaluation. The program aims to equip students with a robust understanding of economics that is empirically grounded, preparing them for roles that involve data-driven economic research and forecasting.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California emphasizes connecting its Economics graduates with diverse industry opportunities. The B.S. in Economics specifically prepares students for job opportunities in the private, public, and non-profit sectors that require strong analytical and quantitative skills. The curriculum is designed to be highly relevant to employer demands, equipping students with skills in data analysis, mathematics, analytical reasoning, and general business operations. While specific formal industry partnerships for the undergraduate economics program are not explicitly detailed, SEBA's overall strong connections within the Bay Area business and tech ecosystem likely facilitate internships and career opportunities for its economics graduates, leveraging the vibrant economic environment.

Global Perspective: Saint Mary's College fosters a global perspective within its B.S. in Economics program by explicitly addressing the intricacies of an "increasingly globalized economy." The curriculum includes concentrations such as "International and Development Economics," which delves into global trade, economic growth in developing nations, and international economic systems. The AACSB accreditation further reinforces this, emphasizing the development of business leaders with "global and responsible perspectives," who consider global contexts and ethical, economic, social, and environmental values. This prepares graduates to analyze international economic issues, work in multinational organizations, and contribute to understanding and solving complex global economic challenges.