Economics, B.A.

Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and nations make choices when confronted with limited resources. At Saint Louis University, economics majors learn to apply theory and problem-solving skills while balancing public policy with the choices faced by today’s society.

My learning experiences have always been engaging and fulfilling, and there is always an abundance of opportunities to grow here at SLU. Without a doubt, the Department of Economics makes sure students graduate feeling confident, finding purpose and being real-world ready.” — Safa Siddiqui, class of 2021

Curriculum Overview

SLU students research microeconomic issues that are relevant to decision-making for individuals, private businesses and public policy, as well as macroeconomic issues, data and frameworks for examining the economies of the world and how they relate to each other. Students can explore economics from various perspectives, including money and banking, health economics, sports economics and more. 

Internships and Student Organizations

St. Louis’ metropolitan location provides many economics internship opportunities that allow students to gain career-related work experience while applying classroom learning to practice. Most internships are paid, and students may opt to complete one for academic credit. In recent years, economics students have interned with entities such as consulting firms, financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies and governmental agencies. 

The department sponsors an Economics Club for students interested in economics. This club provides a link between students and a career in economics, offering students opportunities to establish networking relationships with potential employers.

In addition, the department also hosts a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society, which recognizes scholastic attainment and outstanding achievements in economics along with the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics.

Careers

SLU's Department of Economics has an excellent record of placing graduates in graduate and professional programs, leading to high-profile jobs.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to understand essential business concepts and how the various functional areas of business are related.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of ethical concepts and corporate social responsibility and be able to evaluate business problems from multiple ethical perspectives.
3. Graduates will be able to identify and structure business problems, to propose actionable solutions to business problems and, when applicable, utilize appropriate technology.
4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective written communication in the discipline of economics.
5. Graduates will be able to understand how cultures, politics, laws, ethics, and economies influence and impact business and use tools and concepts to analyze and formulate an international business strategy.
6. Graduates will be able to engage in quantitative reasoning, specifically:
   1. Analyze and interpret empirical evidence to evaluate economic arguments
   2. Analyze and evaluate policies based on economic principles

Economic students must complete a minimum of 33 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Economics students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA in all economics courses used to fulfill major requirements.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

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MATH 1510 Calculus I (0,4 cr) highly recommended.

Economics underpins all social sciences. If you choose to study economics at SLU-Madrid, you'll master the economic approach to decision-making and learn how to apply them to various situations and settings.

Curriculum Overview

The core principles of economics apply to everyday events and global relations.

The Bachelor of Science in Economics at both of Saint Louis University's campuses includes a curriculum of business subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, management and international business. It's designed for business students looking for a major oriented more toward liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics provides rigor and analytical training in economics while allowing students to combine it with a more traditional and broad-based liberal arts background.

The curriculum completely integrated into that of the St. Louis campus in Missouri. In fact, economics students are encouraged to take advantage of the seamless relationship between the degree programs at each campus by completing a semester abroad.

Faculty

The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers and mentors.  Learn about our faculty members, including their education, credentials, experience and contact information.

Fieldwork, Internships and Careers

SLU-Madrid economics students learn from leaders in the field. You'll attend guest lectures presented by experts from the European business community. You'll also visit the Spanish stock exchange, the national government's Congress of Deputies, businesses with local headquarters and media centers.

Our economics programs prepare students for careers with multinational corporations, financial institutions and government agencies. Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in financial centers around the world, including New York City, Madrid, London and Dubai.

Graduates typically find jobs in banking, consulting, insurance, real estate, brokerage firms, marketing, management, budgeting and sales. Government agencies employ economists to work in finance, labor, urban economics and international trade, among other fields. International organizations and nonprofits ― such as the Brookings Institute, the IMF and the World Bank ― seek economists to carry out research and analysis.

Admission

Tuition and Fees

SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu. 

• Tuition and Fees
• Scholarships and Financial Aid

For additional information about this program, please contact econbiz@slu.edu or call 314-977-3848.