Alumni will go on to successful careers a
- Account specialists
- Actuaries
- Business analysts
- Credit analysts
- Data analysts
- Economic forecasters
- Financial advisors
- Financial analysts
- SAP consultants
- Statisticians
Economics
- Bachelor of Science
- Minor
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In This Section
Think Like an Economist—Act Like a Leader
At its core, economics is about problem-solving with the goal of improving the quality of life. The economics major emphasizes mastering analytical and statistical tools and applying them to real-world problems. Students gain a logical framework to understand individual, corporate, and government decision-making, as well as the workings of the broader economy. These skills are widely transferable to a variety of fields in the corporate world and the public sector. Students can pair their economics degree with other majors such as finance, marketing, and management, as well as with the SAP Business One program, to develop a niche and enhance their marketability. Armed with analytical tools and a deep understanding of how economies function, economics majors are empowered to make informed decisions that drive progress, paving the way for meaningful careers and purposeful lives.
Other degrees in economics include:
- Economics and Mathematics is specifically designed to prepare students to successfully complete a Ph.D. in economics.
- Business Economics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the corporate world directly after graduation.
Undergraduate Programs
Where Theory Tackles Real-World Challenges
At Saint Vincent, economics students use Veconlab software to design experiments, analyze data, and explore issues like inflation, climate policy, and global trade. They turn their findings into journal-style articles and present their work at the Academic Conference. At Saint Vincent, you’ll gain practical skills that prepare you for impactful careers.
Explore Big Ideas
Students are invited to take part in lectures and dinners hosted by the Center for Political and Economic Thought, which has welcomed nine Nobel Prize-winning economists through its distinguished lecture series. These events offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of the most influential minds in the field.
Internships That Open Doors
Students have pursued meaningful internships and careers where they apply classroom theory to real-world challenges at companies like including BNY Mellon, PNC, Morgan Stanley, Federated Investors, MGM Resorts International, Kennametal, Independence Health, Bechtel, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Whether analyzing market trends, supporting policy research, or working with financial data, you will gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop in-demand skills that prepare you for careers in business, finance, government, and beyond.
Student Success at Top PhD Programs
Saint Vincent economics graduates have been accepted into elite Ph.D. programs at institutions such as Princeton, Georgetown, the University of Virginia, Indiana University, Ohio State, and Brandeis University—a testament to the program’s academic rigor and strong faculty mentorship.
Careers after Saint Vincent
Our students are well-prepared for careers or graduate study in economics, statistics, analytics, business administration, public policy, and law. With personalized mentorship from dedicated faculty and access to interdisciplinary resources, Saint Vincent graduates are well-prepared to excel in top-tier Ph.D. programs and diverse professional roles in the field of economics.
Our students have secured jobs and internships at a variety of companies in their field and enrolled in prestigious graduate schools such as:
- BNY Mellon
- Excela Health
- Federated Investors
- Kennametal
- MGM Resorts International
- Morgan Stanley
- PNC
- Brandeis University
- Georgetown University
- Indiana University
- Ohio State University
- Princeton University
- University of Virginia
Student Success Stories
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Julia Lundy-Gonsowski, C'18
"Saint Vincent and the McKenna Business School equipped me with fundamental skills that I use daily in my career. All of my professors and advisors provided individualized attention that helped me gain confidence in my skills and abilities. The opportunity to work on an independent thesis project taught me invaluable project management and analytical skills. At Saint Vincent in the economics program, I discovered a love for statistics and analytics that has guided me through my career in financial services. The program also fully prepared me for my graduate-level studies in business analytics."
Portfolio Analytics & Strategy Specialist, PNC Bank N.A.
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Nicholas Srnka, C'21
"My experience at Saint Vincent prepared me for my career in a way I believe no other school could have offered. The small class sizes gave me personal relationships with my professors who truly cared about my success. The assistance they were able to provide challenged me to get an in depth understanding of my field that would have been difficult to achieve on my own. The overall experience of a helpful, caring staff opened the door for me to continue my education and have the confidence to pursue a career path that I have always wanted."
Finance Professional, Equitable
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Cody Adams, C'20
"Prior to submitting applications for college, I visited several institutions before stumbling upon Saint Vincent College. I immediately developed an appreciation for the close-knit communities that exist within the College and the individualized approach of the instructors that is only possible at a small institution that values the education their students receive above all else. The economics program at Saint Vincent College allowed me to engage in a field of study in a unique way which encouraged me to explore my personal interests while ensuring that I had a strong foundation of knowledge to give me the best possible chance of success in graduate school. I am grateful for the professors and fellow students at Saint Vincent College who helped to shape me into the student and the teacher that I am today."
PhD Candidate and Professor, West Virginia University, Department of Economics
Required Curriculum
The economics major is part of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
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Major - Required Courses
Economics has major requirements in calculus, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics as well as courses in environmental, labor, public, and international finance, game theory, and experimental economics.
(See core curriculum requirements.)
- BA 350 Statistics I
- BA 350A Statistics I Excel Lab
- BA 351 Statistics II
- BA 351A Statistics II Excel Lab
- EC 101 Principles of Microeconomics
- EC 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
- EC 200 Environmental Economics
- EC 201 Microeconomic Theory
- EC 202 Macroeconomic Theory
- EC 310 Labor Economics
- EC 331 Public Finance
- EC/BA 353 International Finance
- EC 360 Econometrics
- EC 361 Econometrics Lab
- EC 380 Game Theory
- EC 390 Experimental Economics
- EC 480 Senior Thesis
- MA 109/111 Calculus I
- MA 110/112 Calculus II
- PS 100 Introduction to American Government
Candidates for the B.S. degree who plan to pursue graduate work in economics, finance, or related disciplines are strongly encouraged to complete, at minimum, MA 211 Analytical Calculus III, MA 212 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, and MA 251 Linear Algebra. Consult with a member of the departmental faculty for further assistance in planning coursework.
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Minor - Required Courses
Requirements for the Minor in Economics
- EC 101 Principles of Microeconomics
- EC 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
- EC 201 Microeconomic Theory
- EC 202 Macroeconomic Theory
- BA 350 Statistics I
- BA 350A Statistics I Excel Lab
Plus one elective (3 or 4 credits) from the following offerings:
- EC 200 Environmental Economics
- EC 310 Labor Economics
- EC 331 Public Finance
- EC 353 International Finance
- EC 360/361 Econometrics + Lab
- EC 380 Game Theory
- EC 390 Experimental Economics
* Finance and International Business majors cannot count this class toward the minor
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Key Courses
Labor Economics: This course studies the interaction between workers and firms in the labor market. Topics include unemployment insurance, retirement, pension plans, unions, human capital development, compensation structure, wage versus fringe benefits, nondiscrimination rules, and discrimination in the job market.
Econometrics: This course is designed as a continuation of the Stats I and II sequence. It covers regression and correlation analysis, multiple regression, and related problems such as multicollinearity, serial correlation and heteroskedasticity. The course is balanced between theoretical development and applications.Game Theory: This course covers the strategic interaction of players (consumers, firms, the government, etc.) in situations where the outcome to one player depends on the actions chosen by others. The course exposes students to the concepts studied by game theorists as well as the set of analytical skills used in game theory.
Experimental Economics: This course focuses on laboratory experimentation as a research tool in applied economics. The course offers both an overview of general principles used in designing, conducting, and evaluating behavior in economic experiments and a review of current research in the field of experimental economics.
Facilities and Resources
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Center for Economic and Political Thought (CPET)
The Center for Political and Economic Thought is an interdisciplinary public affairs institution which sponsors research and educational programs in politics, economics, and moral-cultural affairs. The Center aims to promote scholarship on philosophical and policy issues concerning freedom and Western civilization, with a special focus on the American experience.
Program Distinctives
Scholarship
The Alex G. McKenna Economics Scholarship is awarded to incoming students (freshmen or transfers) who declare a major or minor in economics. Recipients are selected by the Economics Department based on superior academic credentials and potential, including high school (or previous college) academic performance and/or ACT/SAT scores. Selected recipients receive a $2,500 per year scholarship ($10,000 over four years). The scholarship is renewable for four years, assuming continued enrollment and satisfactory academic progress toward a major (or minor) degree in economics.
Interested candidates should email Andy Herr at andy.herr@stvincent.edu.
Accreditation
Our business economics degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
