B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Economics
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Economics at Whittier College provides a comprehensive understanding of how markets and economies function, how individuals and businesses make decisions, and the far-reaching impacts of policies and institutions on economic conditions and societal well-being. The program aims to foster an economic perspective on social issues, cultivate an appreciation for differing economic viewpoints, and equip students with logical and methodical problem-solving approaches. Students can choose from three concentrations: General Economics, International Economics, or Business Economics, allowing for specialization aligned with their career aspirations.
Curriculum: The curriculum is built upon a strong core of economic theory and quantitative methods. Required core courses typically include Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Introduction to Quantitative Methods, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, and Econometrics. These courses provide a solid foundation in economic principles and equip students with the statistical analysis tools essential for economic inquiry. Depending on their chosen concentration, students then delve into specialized electives. For instance, the International Economics concentration includes courses like International Trade and International Finance, while the Business Economics concentration integrates relevant Business Administration courses and additional mathematics. All economics majors culminate their studies with a Senior Project, providing a capstone experience in independent research.
Research Focus: A significant strength of Whittier College's Economics program is its emphasis on hands-on research and scholarly inquiry. All economics majors are required to complete a senior project, which involves in-depth original research on a topic of their choosing. This experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, hone their analytical and research skills, and contribute to the field. Students often collaborate closely with faculty on these projects, some of which have been submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presented at regional and national undergraduate research conferences, such as the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR). The department also sponsors the Kim Thomas Interdisciplinary Lecture Series, bringing leading economists to campus to share their research and insights.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's location in Southern California provides valuable opportunities for industry engagement within the Economics program. While not always direct industry partnerships in the sense of vocational training, the program actively prepares students for professional success through various avenues. Internships are strongly encouraged and supported by the Weingart Center for Career and Professional Development, allowing students to gain real-world experience applying economic principles in corporate, financial, and governmental settings. Alumni success stories highlight graduates working as economic and litigation consultants, financial analysts, and in various roles within major corporations and government agencies, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in launching professional careers. The curriculum's focus on data analysis, critical thinking, and communication are highly valued skills across industries.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Economics at Whittier College inherently integrates a strong global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of modern economies. The International Economics concentration specifically focuses on global economic issues, trade, and finance. Beyond coursework, the college strongly promotes study abroad programs, with the Global Poet Scholarship providing financial support for students to pursue international academic experiences. These opportunities allow students to gain firsthand knowledge of diverse economic systems and global challenges, enhancing their understanding of international markets and cross-cultural economic dynamics. Faculty-led "globetrotting courses" also expose students to international business practices and policy-making in different countries.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Whittier College provides graduates with a highly sought-after blend of analytical rigor, quantitative skills, and a broad understanding of human behavior within economic systems.
Financial Analyst: A core career path, financial analysts leverage their understanding of markets, investments, and economic forecasting to advise individuals and organizations on financial decisions. They often work in investment banking, wealth management, corporate finance, or for insurance companies.
Data Analyst / Business Intelligence Analyst: Economics graduates excel at collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex datasets to identify trends, inform business strategies, and solve problems. Their quantitative skills are highly applicable in various industries, from tech to retail.
Market Research Analyst: Combining economic principles with consumer behavior, these professionals analyze market conditions, competitive landscapes, and consumer preferences to help businesses make informed decisions about products, pricing, and marketing.
Economic Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms, providing expert advice to businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations on economic issues, policy impacts, and strategic planning. This often involves in-depth research and analytical modeling.
Policy Analyst (Government/Think Tanks): With a strong grasp of macroeconomic principles and policy implications, economics graduates can work for government agencies (local, state, federal), non-profits, or think tanks, researching and evaluating the impact of public policies.
Actuarial Analyst: For those with strong mathematical and statistical aptitude, this role involves assessing financial risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions, using economic models to predict future events and set premiums.
Credit Analyst: These professionals evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses, assessing financial statements and economic indicators to determine lending risks for banks and other financial institutions.
Operations Manager: The problem-solving and efficiency-focused mindset fostered in economics is valuable in operations, where graduates optimize processes, manage supply chains, and improve productivity within organizations.
Researcher (Academic/Private Sector): Given the program's emphasis on senior projects and research methodology, graduates can pursue research roles in universities, research institutions, or corporate research departments, contributing to economic understanding and forecasting.
International Development Specialist: With a global perspective often cultivated through the International Economics concentration and study abroad opportunities, graduates can work for international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies addressing issues like poverty, sustainable development, and global trade.
