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Bachelor of Science in Economics - Public Policy Economics

Governments make society-changing policy decisions every year. The economics degree with a concentration in public policy economics at the University of St. Thomas develops your analytical and critical thinking abilities in preparation for positions with local, state, national and international governmental entities, as well as non-governmental organizations. You will also be prepared to pursue graduate study in public policy or economics.

Why Study Economics at St. Thomas?

Our program offers a breadth of courses focusing on topics ranging from econometrics to game theory. We teach you to develop not only the quantitative skills you need to understand the data and information you work with, but also the qualitative skills to interpret and communicate your analysis of various policy decisions effectively. Our graduates go on to pursue graduate school, as well as careers in government, research and business.

Decisions, Decisions

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Other Economics Degrees Awarded
  • Internships
  • Tutoring
  • Course Requirements

    You start by completing courses focusing on the foundations of economic theory and analysis while nurturing your quantitative skills with courses in mathematics and statistics. Additional economics courses examine the role of the government and policymaking. This major requires twelve credits in political science, and your electives are your choice too.

    Four-Year Plan

    You start out by focusing on macro and microeconomics, the foundational principles of economics. From there, you have the freedom to choose from courses based on your personal interests.

    Other Economics Degrees Awarded

    Internships

    Local companies and organizations actively recruit economics majors at St. Thomas for internships, some of which have offered interns full-time employment after graduation. These include Medtronic, Target, General Mills, Allianz, Dorsey & Whitney, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Bank as well government agencies like the U.S. Treasury and the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Department of Economics forwards opportunities sent by alumni at these companies to current economics students!

    Tutoring

    The Department of Economics offers student tutoring services to any student in a Principles of Economics course. These tutoring options are complementary and done on a drop-in basis.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You start by completing courses focusing on the foundations of economic theory and analysis while nurturing your quantitative skills with courses in mathematics and statistics. Additional economics courses examine the role of the government and policymaking. This major requires twelve credits in political science, and your electives are your choice too.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You start out by focusing on macro and microeconomics, the foundational principles of economics. From there, you have the freedom to choose from courses based on your personal interests.

    Internships

    Internships

    Local companies and organizations actively recruit economics majors at St. Thomas for internships, some of which have offered interns full-time employment after graduation. These include Medtronic, Target, General Mills, Allianz, Dorsey & Whitney, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Bank as well government agencies like the U.S. Treasury and the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Department of Economics forwards opportunities sent by alumni at these companies to current economics students!

    Tutoring

    Tutoring

    The Department of Economics offers student tutoring services to any student in a Principles of Economics course. These tutoring options are complementary and done on a drop-in basis.
    A calculator is shown in an economics course.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions, whether it is in the workplace or graduate school. Here are some paths our alumni pursued after graduating.

    • Research Assistant – Federal Reserve Board
    • Food Logistics Coordinator – ICA Food Shelf
    • Research Assistant/Programmer – Mathematica Policy Research
    • Energy Industry Analyst – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
    • Master in Public Policy (e.g. Duke University, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland)
    • National Bank Examiner – Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of Treasury

    Scholarships

    David A. Renelt Award

    The David A. Renelt Award honors one outstanding rising senior economics major who best exemplifies the traits of growing intellectual curiosity, high ethical principles, enduring spiritual devotion and endearing congeniality.

    Economics Young Scholars

    We solicit proposals from students pursuing undergraduate economics research projects and provide generous financial support. In addition, we offer limited financial assistance to students applying for graduate study in economics to help cover some of the costs of GRE fees, application fees and campus visit expenses.

    MinneAnalytics Scholarship

    This annual scholarship sponsored by MinneAnalytics is awarded to an undergrad student who display a passion for pursuing a career in analytics and a commitment to engaging with the community.

    Hear That? Opportunity Is Knocking.

    15

    We have 15 dedicated faculty with a wide variety of expertise and strong interest in working with students.

    $109K

    According to the , the median annual salary earned by economists in 2020 was $109,000.

    Top 10

    Economics is one of the best college majors according to .

    Get Involved

    Research, student-run clubs and conferences—the possibilities are endless for getting involved at the university and beyond.

    Our faculty are active researchers focusing on a variety of fields. They win government grants, are featured in the New York Times, publish in leading journals and present at global conferences.

    The Economics Club facilitates economic exploration outside of the classroom. Activities include professionals presenting on how they use economics in their careers, and faculty discussing current economic events like tax reform.

    We support students as they pursue research. There is financial assistance for engaging in research and presenting results at conferences. Faculty include students in their projects as research assistants or collaborators.

    Economics student video

    Practical Experiences

    Economics students at St. Thomas have access to a diverse array of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom through research, competitions, dedicated faculty and more. Students use their skills and knowledge to make an impact in their communities every day.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.