Economics - BS
Economics is the study of how people, communities, and businesses make choices about limited resources. These choices shape markets, guide public policy, and affect our daily lives. At St. Catherine University, economics students explore critical issues such as labor market equity, global development, education access, and business profitability. Through theory, data analysis, and empirical research, they gain the tools to understand and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In doing so, they are empowered to become informed leaders and active citizens, fulfilling the University’s mission to lead and influence in their communities and beyond. The program emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and effective communication, which are essential skills in today's data-driven world. Students learn to interpret complex data, construct economic models, and produce insightful research and policy analysis. These competencies prepare graduates for careers in government, consulting, nonprofits, business, and finance, as well as for advanced study in fields such as economics, public policy, law, or analytics. St. Kate’s offers a distinctive environment where students can extend their learning beyond the classroom. Through internships, research collaborations, and engagement with the Economics Club, students connect with local organizations and national thought leaders. Recent internships have taken place at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, U.S. Census Bureau, 3M, Wells Fargo, and Ramsey County. Students have also presented their research at national conferences such as the Population Association of America (PAA) and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Rooted in the mission of St. Catherine University to empower women to lead and influence, the economics program develops graduates who are prepared to make data-informed decisions, advocate for inclusive policy, and lead with purpose. Studies show that economics majors, particularly women with strong quantitative skills, enjoy excellent career prospects—earning on average 17% more than business majors at entry level and 36% more by mid-career. Graduates have accepted jobs at institutions such as the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, Wells Fargo, Retek Corporation, Merrill Lynch, St. Paul Travelers, Ecolab and First Bank. Some alumnae continue on to graduate programs in economics, public policy, law, business administration or business analytics.
See also: Financial Economics,
This major is offered in the College for Women only.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| Choose two of the following: | 8 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Choose one of the following (can use the other as an elective in the choose 12 credits section): | 4 | |
| Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| ECON 3610 | Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| ECON 3620 | Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| Select one MATH/STAT in consultation with advisor (strong preference for Applied Calculus) | 4 | |
| Choose 12 upper-division (3XXX or 4XXX level) credits in ECON electives in consultation with advisor | 12 | |
| ECON 4850W | Theory to Action | 4 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Students must complete four additional upper-division (3XXX or 4XXX level) credits determined by the student and her advisor. Many students complete these four credits (usually one 4-credit class) by taking three upper-division electives for that part of the major requirement as well as both ECON 3050 and ECON 4150 or by adding a minor or double major.
Students who plan to pursue graduate-level studies in economics are encouraged to pursue a minor in math or statistics.
Economics majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing at least one writing intensive course in economics. They complete the liberal arts core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman and CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice, and any other writing-intensive course in this or another department).
The Economics major can be completed in four years or two years. Both programs of study are provided below.
Four-Year Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Topics (Methods & Modeling) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 3610 | Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 3620 | Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 4850 | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Two-Year Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Topics (Methods & Modeling) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Economics of Social Issues | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 3610 | Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 3620 | Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 4850 | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |