BS Business Economics

Economics is the study of decision-making under scarcity. Individuals, households and firms are constantly evaluating the trade-offs of using their time, money and/or resources to satisfy their wants. Economic models explain these behaviors and provide a framework to evaluate shocks to the decision-making process.

In the applied field of business economics, students will use economic tools–the core economic theory and applied analytical methods–to critically evaluate decisions by market agents. They will explore questions like:

The BS in business economics program provides students with an understanding of the global business environment and market structure. Through the program, you will:

In the BS in Business Economics program, you will also:

Three formal tracks have been developed for those who are interested in focusing their electives in one area. 

Ask yourself: Are you “all about the money...” that is, the flow of money in our global economy? Are you fascinated with how the countries around the world are economically connected? Are you concerned with how market actions may affect your portfolio? If so, the global economy track may be for you!

In our global economy track, we emphasize the significance of the international context. We evaluate and offer the opportunity to pair the economic courses with international applications in finance, marketing or management.

Ask yourself: do I enjoy a battle of wits (e.g. The Princess Bride or Hunger Games)? Am I interested in the art of the deal? If so, the strategic decision-making track may be for you!

In the strategic decision-making track, you will build on microeconomic fundamentals to dig deeper into the strategic interactions between individuals across a wide range of competitions and negotiations.

Ask yourself: Am I interested in seeing the story behind the data…the image behind the matrix code? Do I have questions that I would like to empirically test, to analyze and better understand individual, household or national decision-making? Am I excited about the opportunities to collect more and more data with use of AI and machine learning? If so, the analytical Economics track may be for you!

In the era of big data, there is an incredible push to create and analyze data. If cash is ‘king’ then data is a close second. For years economists have been on the cutting edge of new analytical techniques, to ever-improve our forecasting accuracy and understanding of individuals’ behaviors when confronting scarce resources. In this track, you will learn the tools and empirical models to evaluate your own hypotheses and to make forecasts across different types of data–cross-sectional, panel and time-series–and you will learn how machine learning can contribute to curating and managing big data.

If you aren’t ready to commit all-in to one of the tracks above, or want a broader approach to the curriculum, we have a general option in which you will select any three economics electives of your choosing to complete your Bachelor of Science degree in business economics. Just jump in!

*For students interested in pursuing a master’s (or higher) degree in economics to pursue a career as an economist in academia, the banking system, a think tank or public policy institute, we strongly recommend students to supplement their degree with supporting mathematics courses.

Business economics provides a foundation for careers in business, government and law. A graduate with a BS in business economics can pursue a career as a:

Graduates may also choose to enter a graduate degree program in business, economics or law. Sacred Heart students have been admitted to:

At SHU, you can expand your studies by pursuing a double major, or continue your education with an MBA or MS in Finance & Investment Management at SHU.