During the Bachelor Studies in Economics (Major) you learn to apply concepts and methods to answer diverse and current questions. How do economic crises arise and what measures respond to them? How does politics influence economic growth? How can we reform the retirement provision? Which impact has the introduction of a minimum wage?
To answer those questions, you acquire a sound and comprehensive basic economic knowledge and deal with the macroeconomic context. Additionally, you learn how to analyse and assess complex structures with the help of versatile methods. The flexible study programme offers you the opportunity to set priorities according to your personal interests. With the wide range of knowledge and skills acquired during the Major Economics, you, as an economic generalist, are optimally trained for demanding positions in practice or for a further Master's degree.
Learning Objectives Major in Economics
- The Major in Economics provides you with a clear understanding of the international economic context and you will get to know the most important economic institutions and interest groups.
- You understand the macroeconomic environment. How the numerous decisions are coordinated and which economic policy measures result from it.
- You understand the behavior and decisions of individual economic entities such as the state, companies and households.
- In the Major in Economics, you learn the confident handling of data - from preparation to analysis to interpretation.
- You develop your analytical and argumentative competence.
Why Economics at the University of St.Gallen?
Versatile and flexible curriculum
The Major in Economics offers a wide range of core elective courses and great flexibility. You can acquire half of the required ECTS credits in courses selected by you. In addition to the core studies in economics, you acquire management and communication skills. The Major in Economics is thus a holistic programme, in which you can design your studies according to your interests, set your own focusses and create your individual study profile. Curriculum
In-depth method training and digitalisation
Analysing data has become a key component of developed economies. Data analysis helps economic players e.g. when optimising work processes, developing pricing schemes and in price discrimination. Similarly, data analysis is crucial to evaluate the performance of economies and economic policies. Digitalisation has led to a multitude of newly available data and data formats for which new methods of data analysis have been developed. In the working environment, it is therefore advantageous to be able to deal with a variety of data formats and to analyse data with the best possible methods. To meet these requirements, the Major in Economics offers various courses in this field.
Various options after your Bachelor degree
The Major in Economics prepares you perfectly for the Master in Economics and the Master in Quantitative Economics and Finance offered by the University of St.Gallen. Would you rather like to broaden your horizon and continue with a master's degree programme at a different university? With the Major in Economics, you gain a solid foundation, which also serves you well for your future studies at a different university.
Another, often used option is to gain first work experience between your bachelor and master´s degree with an internship. This helps you to decide in which area you would like to specialise in your master's degree programme.
Even a direct career entry is possible with the Major Economics. Approximately 6% of our Bachelor Graduates start their professional careers immediately after their Bachelor degree. What next?
International exchange opportunities
The University of St.Gallen has more than 200 partner universities worldwide. In addition, with the freemover programme many other universities can be considered for an exchange semester. The Major in Economics curriculum facilitates an exchange, as all compulsory courses can be completed in the 3rd and 4th semesters of your Bachelor studies. Hence, you enjoy great flexibility in your individual study planning. Student Mobility
Direct contact to renowned faculty
The small group sizes in the courses not only facilitate discussions with your fellow students, but also allow a direct contact with the lecturers.
Our lecturers teach practice- and policy-oriented, are involved in economic policy and provide insights in their research. They enjoy a high academic reputation. The University of St.Gallen is ranked 9th for economic research in the German-speaking area Handelsblatt Ranking in 2017.
Integrative education
In addition to your economic expertise, you will acquire social, historical and political awareness in contextual studies. Among others, you can attend courses for scientific work or programming, as well as language courses. Our students are to become personalities who can take on social responsibility, think in an integrative way and act sustainably.