Economics - BS
Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and communities make decisions in a world of limited resources. These decisions shape markets, influence public policies, affect financial systems, and impact everyday life. At St. Catherine University, economics students examine critical issues such as labor market equity, global development, business strategy, healthcare systems, environmental sustainability, education access, and economic opportunity through a rigorous and applied curriculum.
The economics program combines economic theory with hands-on quantitative analysis, statistical methods, research methodologies, and policy analysis. Students develop career-ready skills in data collection, forecasting, financial analysis, statistical programming, Microsoft Excel, professional writing, presentations, and project management. Through applied coursework and research experiences, students learn to analyze complex data, evaluate policies and programs, solve real-world problems, and communicate evidence-based recommendations to diverse audiences.
Students gain experience conducting empirical research, building economic models, interpreting financial and economic data, and presenting findings through written reports and presentations. The program emphasizes analytical reasoning, leadership, collaboration, interpersonal communication, and detail-oriented problem solving — skills that are highly valued across business, government, nonprofit, and research sectors.
Graduates are well prepared for careers in business, finance, analytics, consulting, public policy, government, nonprofit leadership, community development, and corporate strategy. Common career paths include financial analyst, project manager, operations manager, business development manager, strategic planning analyst and policy analyst. Many students also pursue graduate study in economics, public policy, law, business administration, finance, or analytics.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, U.S. Census Bureau, 3M, Wells Fargo, and Ramsey County are among the organizations where students have completed internships and applied learning experiences. Students also collaborate closely with faculty on research projects and present original work at national conferences, including the Population Association of America conference and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Rooted in the mission of St. Catherine University to educate women to lead and influence, the economics program prepares graduates to make ethical, data-informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to organizations, communities, and public life. With strong quantitative, analytical, and communication training, economics graduates are positioned for long-term career growth and leadership in an increasingly complex world.
See also: Financial Economics, Quantitative Economics, Public Policy
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 |
| ECON 1120 | Economics of Social Issues | 4 |
| or ECON 2610 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or ECON 2620 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| Spring Term | ||
| MATH 1130 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or ECON 3700 | Methods and Modeling for Economics, Finance, and Analytics | |
| ECON 1120 | Economics of Social Issues | 4 |
| or ECON 2610 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or ECON 2620 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 3050 | Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | 4 |
| or ECON 4150W | 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 4850W | Theory to Action | 4 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Two-Year Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| ECON 1120 | Economics of Social Issues | 4 |
| or ECON 2610 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or ECON 2620 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| Spring Term | ||
| MATH 1130 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or ECON 3700 | Methods and Modeling for Economics, Finance, and Analytics | |
| ECON 1120 | Economics of Social Issues | 4 |
| or ECON 2610 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or ECON 2620 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Economics course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 3050 | Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | 4 |
| or ECON 4150W | 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 4850W | Theory to Action | 4 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |