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The Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Stanford University offers a comprehensive exploration of economic theory, quantitative analysis, and public policy, equipping students with the tools to understand and address complex societal issues. It is ideal for students targeting careers in government, private enterprise, or further academic pursuits in economics.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundational Economics and Quantitative Skills
Students start with ECON 1: Principles of Economics, covering micro and macroeconomics fundamentals. They must also complete MATH 20 or an equivalent course to develop necessary mathematical skills for economic analysis.
Year 2: Intermediate Economic Analysis
Focuses on ECON 50: Economic Analysis I, which covers microeconomic theory and applications, building on the first year's foundation.
Year 3: Advanced Economic Theory and Policy
Students engage in advanced topics such as ECON 101: Introduction to Economic Policy Analysis, emphasizing policy analysis, writing, and presentations. Specialized electives like ECON 178: Behavioral Economics explore theories in behavioral economics.
Year 4: Specialization and Capstone Experience
Students choose electives aligned with career goals and may complete a capstone project or thesis applying their knowledge to real-world economic problems.
Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Behavioral Economics, International Trade, Development Economics, Financial Economics
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates demonstrate comprehensive understanding of economic principles, quantitative analysis skills, and the ability to critically evaluate and communicate economic policies.
Accreditation:
The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and follows Stanford University’s rigorous academic standards.
Reputation:
Consistently ranked among the top global economics programs, known for distinguished faculty and strong industry/government connections.
Stanford’s Economics program integrates theory with real-world applications, offering multiple hands-on learning opportunities:
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP):
Collaboration with faculty on ongoing research projects, gaining practical experience in economic analysis and empirical methods.
Stanford Economics Association (SEA):
Student-led organization offering networking, seminars, and career panels with faculty and alumni.
Stanford Economic Review:
Undergraduate publication for economic writing and publishing to hone communication skills.
Fed Challenge:
Team competition simulating monetary policy presentations to Federal Reserve economists.
Honors Program:
Independent research culminating in a thesis, promoting deep academic inquiry and presentation skills.
Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR):
Opportunities to engage in policy research and economic analysis of current issues.
Bing Overseas Studies Program:
Fieldwork and internships abroad for applying economic knowledge internationally.
High Performance Computing Center Experiential Learning Program:
Work on data-intensive projects using advanced computational tools in economic research.
These experiences are embedded within the curriculum, ensuring students apply theoretical learning practically, preparing them for diverse career paths.
Future Progression & Opportunities
Graduates from Stanford’s BA in Economics program are well-equipped for impactful careers across sectors such as finance, technology, government, and international organisations. Common career roles include:
Career Support:
Career Education (CareerEd):
Personalised advising, workshops, and access to a vast alumni network for tailored career guidance.
Industry Partnerships:
Engagement with leading organisations via Stanford’s Industrial Affiliates Programs enhances research and employment prospects.
Graduate Outcomes:
Though specific statistics for the Economics BA are not detailed, Stanford graduates typically enjoy strong employment outcomes with placements in top firms globally.
Accreditation and Recognition:
The program’s academic rigour is globally respected by employers and academic institutions alike.
Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions:
Master’s Degrees: Economics, Public Policy, MBA, JD at Stanford, Harvard, LSE, etc.
PhD Programs: For academic or high-level research careers in economics or related fields.
Stanford’s combination of comprehensive education, extensive experiential learning, and robust career resources provides graduates with a powerful platform for success both in immediate employment and long-term academic advancement.
Deadline Details: If you intend to submit an Optional Arts Portfolio, your application must be submitted by October 15 for Restrictive Early Action (REA) or December 5 for Regular Decision (RD). Your School Report form, teacher/counselor letters of recommendation, and transcript(s) can be submitted by November 1 (REA) or January 5 (RD).AT/ACT Update: Beginning with the 2025–2026 application cycle, Stanford will reinstate its standardized testing requirement. ACT or SAT scores will be required for first-year and transfer students submitting applications for the Fall 2026 entry term.SAT/ACT Super Score & Codes: For the ACT, you may report the calculated ACT superscore in addition to your highest section scores. For the SAT, we will superscore, focusing on the highest individual Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores from all test sittings. SAT PROFILE/TOEFL Code number: 4704, ACT Code number: 0434English Language Proficiency Requirements: Required for international students whose first language is not English. Accepted tests include: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English C1 Advanced, Cambridge English C2 ProficiencyRecommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 2 Required, 0 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 1 Optional.Writing Requirements: 1 Common App personal essay, 5 Short-Answer Questions (50 words each) , 3 Longer Essays(100–250 words)Decision Notification: Early Action: Mid-December 2025 Regular Decision: Mid-March 2026Interview: Stanford offers applicants the opportunity to interview with an alumnus or admissions officer. Interviews are not required but are strongly encouraged.Prerequisite Coursework: While not mandatory, a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, is highly recommended.Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategyInvestment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banksData Analyst or Data Scientist – Use programming languages like Python R and SQL and statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights for business or policy decisionsActuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firmsManagement Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performanceFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisionsPolicy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agenciesQuantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisionsCertified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporationsEconomic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizationsMarketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporationsFinancial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategiesInternational Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World BankFederal Reserve Analyst or Central Banker – Support monetary policy economic research and financial regulation to promote economic stability and growth at regional Federal Reserve Banks or the Board of GovernorsEntrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
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Stanford University
