Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The curriculum blends foundational business courses with a structured economics sequence and opportunities for applied work. You will study microeconomics and macroeconomics, intermediate theory, and applied econometrics, together with core business topics such as accounting, finance, marketing and management to give you a practical business context for economic analysis.

• Core economics modules: Principles of micro and macroeconomics, intermediate micro and macro theory, econometrics and statistics, and a senior seminar or capstone in economics.
• Applied and elective topics: Labour economics, public finance, international trade and finance, environmental and resource economics, industrial organisation, urban and regional economics, behavioural economics and game theory.
• Quantitative and technical skills: Statistics for economists, applied econometrics, data analysis using statistical software, and courses that emphasise modelling and empirical research methods.
• Business core: Introductory and intermediate courses in accounting, corporate finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategy that situate economic reasoning within business decision-making.
• Experiential learning: Internship placements, independent research projects with faculty, and opportunities to work on real-world problems with corporate or public-sector partners in the Silicon Valley region.

Students typically complete a mixture of major requirements, business core courses, and free electives. A senior capstone or thesis component allows students to synthesise theory and data in a substantive research project.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and considers academic record, strength of curriculum, essays and extracurricular engagement. Recommended preparation includes college-preparatory mathematics (algebra, precalculus and preferably calculus) and coursework in social studies or related subjects.

• Typical academic profile: Strong high-school grades across a rigorous curriculum, with quantitative coursework emphasised.
• Application materials: Personal statement or essays, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation as required by the university application process.
• Standardised tests and alternatives: The university’s test policies may vary; applicants should check current guidance on submitted scores and consider submitting them if they strengthen the application.
• Transfer applicants: College transcripts showing sustained performance in relevant coursework, plus a record of quantified analytical classes, are required.
• International applicants: Academic credential evaluation plus proof of English proficiency where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for careers that require both business acumen and strong analytical skills. Employers value the programme’s combination of economic reasoning and practical business training.

• Economic analyst roles in consulting firms, think tanks, and government agencies
• Financial services positions such as investment analysis, corporate finance or risk management
• Business analyst, market research and strategy roles in private sector firms
• Data analyst and quantitative research roles that leverage econometrics and statistical skills
• Positions in public policy, international organisations and non-profits addressing regulation, trade and development
• Pathways to graduate study in economics, business (MBA), public policy or law

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers a liberal arts education framed by Jesuit values, emphasising ethical leadership, social responsibility and experiential learning. The university’s location in Silicon Valley provides exceptional access to internships, industry partnerships and employers in technology, finance and consulting, giving students opportunities to apply economic analysis to contemporary business challenges.

Small class sizes and accessible faculty foster close mentorship, while cross-disciplinary collaboration between economics and business programmes allows students to tailor their studies toward applied industry or academic research. The university’s career services and alumni network are active in the region, supporting internship placement and job search opportunities for graduates.