Bachelors in Business Economics and Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

California Institute of Technology

Program Overview

An analytical, STEM-focused business degree offered through Caltech's distinctive "options" system. The BEM program integrates economics, finance, and strategic thinking with the institute’s emphasis on quantitative reasoning and innovation. Especially suited for students interested in entrepreneurship, tech startups, or advanced economics.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1–2: Foundations

  • Core micro and macroeconomics

  • Introduction to accounting and finance

  • Mathematical modeling and probability

Years 3–4: Advanced Study & Integration

  • Strategy, game theory, market design

  • Electives in finance, entrepreneurship, data science

  • Strong interdisciplinary options with math, computer science, and engineering

Focus Areas

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation

  • Corporate Finance & Strategy

  • Quantitative Business Analysis

  • Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Learning Outcomes

  • Analytical business decision-making skills

  • Strong foundation in both economics and STEM

  • Preparation for graduate programs or careers in finance, consulting, or tech

Accreditation & Reputation
Accredited by Caltech’s Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Highly regarded for its analytical rigor and elite STEM environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Caltech, this program is deeply interdisciplinary — blending economics with management and quantitative analysis, all within one of the world’s top STEM environments. Students don’t just study theory; they apply it through high-impact research and project-based learning.

Experiential learning includes:

  • Access to the Social Science Experimental Laboratory (SSEL), where students conduct controlled economic experiments.

  • Hands-on quantitative research projects, often using Python, MATLAB, and R.

  • Participation in SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships), where students work with faculty on cutting-edge topics like game theory or behavioral economics.

  • Collaboration with the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences on interdisciplinary policy and business questions.

  • Close mentorship and small group project work, ideal for analytical and entrepreneurial career paths.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Caltech’s Business, Economics & Management (BEM) degree stands out for its analytical rigor and cross-disciplinary approach. Students gain a deep understanding of economics, finance, and decision-making—perfect preparation for careers in quantitative finance, tech strategy, consulting, or economic research. Graduates often become financial engineers, analysts, management consultants, or academic researchers. Here's what backs student success:

  • Caltech’s Career Advising and Experiential Learning (CAEL) office connects students with internships at top firms like Google, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs.

  • More than 90% of Caltech grads are employed or in graduate school within six months, with economics graduates earning average starting salaries upwards of $80,000.

  • Faculty collaborate closely with students on research through the Ronald and Maxine Linde Institute of Economic and Management Sciences, which maintains strong ties with industry leaders.

  • Caltech’s world-class reputation and WASC accreditation offer unmatched long-term value and prestige.

  • Graduates stand out in tech-driven business roles thanks to strong foundations in data analysis, modeling, and strategic thinking.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students pursue top-tier graduate programs in economics, business (MBA), finance, or law at institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.

Program Key Stats

$53205 (Annual cost)



9 %

Eligibility Criteria

ABB - AAA
3.3 - 3.5
36 - 40
85 - 90

1530 - 1580
34 - 35
7
110

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Quantitative Analyst – Use data-driven methods to solve optimization and pricing problems in tech or finance firms
  • Management Consultant – Advise STEM-focused organizations on strategy and innovation
  • Product Manager – Combine technical depth and business insight to guide product development at tech companies
  • Startup Founder – Launch and scale ventures leveraging strong analytical and entrepreneurial training

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