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

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/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.

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
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition 

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

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 2022, 99% of first-time freshmen and 90% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $445 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 March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  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 and 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
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
ECON 1900Principles of Economics3
ECON 3010Introduction to Econometrics3
ECON 3120Intermediate Macroeconomics3
ECON 3140Intermediate Microeconomics3
OPM 2070Introduction to Business Statistics3
MATH 1320Survey of Calculus3-4
or MATH 1510 Calculus I
Major Elective Courses
Select five of the following:15
Economies of Latin America
Industrial Organization and Public Policy
Law and Economics
History of Economic Analysis
Money and Banking
International Trade
Exchange Rates and Global Economics
Economics of Int'l Migration
Sports Economics
Economic Development
Public Finance
Public Choice and Political Economy
Health Economics
Advanced Econometrics
General Electives51-55
Total Credits120

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 and/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-/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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Critical course:  MATH 1200 College Algebra 3
University Core and/or General Electives 12
 Credits15
Spring
Critical course:  ECON 1900 Principles of Economics 3
Critical course:  MATH 1320
Survey of Calculus *
or Calculus I
3
Critical course:  OPM 2070 Introduction to Business Statistics 3
University Core and/or General Electives 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
Critical course:  ECON 3120 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3
ECON 3140 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
University Core and/or General Electives 9
 Credits15
Spring
ECON 3010 Introduction to Econometrics 3
ECON 4XXXEconomic Major Elective 3
University Core and/or General Electives 9
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
ECON 4XXXEconomic Major Elective 3
ECON 4XXXEconomic Major Elective 3
University Core and/or General Electives 9
 Credits15
Spring
ECON 4XXXEconomic Major Elective 3
ECON 4XXXEconomic Major Elective 3
University Core and/or General Electives 9
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
University Core and/or General Electives 15
 Credits15
Spring
University Core and/or General Electives 15
 Credits15
 Total Credits120
*

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