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
Mathematics and Economics
- Bachelor of Science
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In This Section
Blending Mathematics Precision and Economic Theory
At its core, economics is about problem solving with the goal of improving quality of life. The mathematics and economics major is designed to prepare students to successfully complete a Ph.D. in economics, and our graduates have a strong track record of completing degrees at top graduate programs. With an emphasis on mastering analytical and statistical tools and applying them to real-world problems, the program gives students a logical framework to understand the workings of the broader economy. Armed with quantitative skills and a deep understanding of how economies function, students majoring in economics and mathematics are empowered to make informed decisions that drive progress—paving the way for meaningful careers and purposeful lives.
Other degrees in economics include:
- Economics (BS, minor) is designed to prepare students with a broad view of economics and is often paired with another major or minor.
- Business Economics (BS) is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the corporate world directly after graduation.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Highlights
Student Success at Top Ph.D. Programs
Saint Vincent mathematics/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.
Where Theory Tackles Real-World Challenges
At Saint Vincent, economics/mathematics 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.
Internships That Open Doors
Students have pursued meaningful internships and careers where they apply classroom theory to real-world challenges at companies such as 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.
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
- Independence 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
Haoyu (Leonard) Wang, C'23
"I feel blessed to have been a part of McKenna School at Saint Vincent as an economics student. The McKenna School of Business gave me motivation and confidence to improve myself and make great contributions to the Saint Vincent community. From a student who started in the ESL program (English as a second language), and became deeply involved in this community, Saint Vincent really helped me learn and grow. My time here has helped me become better adapted to the western education, lifestyle, and culture."
Steven Patterson, C’21
"I came into Saint Vincent College as an undecided major, unsure where my career was headed. The economics faculty saw my potential before I did. I was personally approached and encouraged to enroll in the Math Econ program. Over the next four years, I worked closely with professors, developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Upon graduation, I was accepted to Indiana University’s Economics PhD program. I would not have been able to get into such a program without the time and energy put forth by the professors of the McKenna School. The difference maker in my career has been the foundation built by the Math Econ program at Saint Vincent College."
Required Curriculum
The mathematics/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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Required Courses
Requirements for B.S. Degree in Economics and Mathematics 81-82 credits
For those students who will pursue upon graduation an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D. level) in finance or economics.
(See core curriculum requirements.)
- BA 350 Statistics and Analytics I 3
- BA 350A Excel I Lab 1
- BA 351 Statistics and Analytics II 3
- BA 351A Excel II Lab 1
- PS 100 Intro to American Government 3
- EC 101 Principles of Microeconomics 3
- EC 102 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
- EC 200 Environmental Economics 3
- EC 201 Microeconomic Theory 3
- EC 202 Macroeconomic Theory 3
- EC 310 Labor Economics 3
- EC 331 Public Finance 3
- EC 360 Econometrics 3
- EC 361 Econometrics Lab 1
- EC 380 Game Theory 3
- EC 390 Experimental Economics 3
- EC 480 Senior Thesis 3
- MA 111 Analytical Calculus I 4
- MA 112 Analytical Calculus II 4
- MA 211 Analytical Calculus III 4
- MA 212 Ordinary and Partial 4
Differential Equations
- MA 231 Methods of Proof 3
- MA 251 Linear Algebra 3
- MA 321 Complex Variables 3
- MA 421 Real Analysis I 4
- MA 422 Real Analysis II 4
Take 1 of the following: 3
- EC 353 International Finance
- EC 400 Advanced Topics in Economic
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Key Courses
Ordinary & Partial Differential Equations: This course introduces methods for solving equations that describe how things change over time and space. You’ll start with first-order and second-order differential equations and learn both classical and numerical techniques. Topics include series solutions, Laplace transforms, and higher-order equations. You’ll also get an introduction to partial differential equations and Fourier series.
Linear Algebra: This course focuses on the study of matrices and systems of linear equations. You’ll explore vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, and inner product spaces. The class also covers eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which are key concepts in many applications.
Public Finance: Public Finance studies how governments manage money and resources. You’ll learn why governments provide certain services, how they decide what to spend on, and how taxes and borrowing affect families and businesses. You’ll gain an overall understanding of the government’s role in the economy.
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.
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.