Economics
The Study of Choice
Economics is the study of how societies organize production, distribution, and the exchange of goods and services and about choices on how scarce resources are allocated to satisfy human wants. Who wins? Who loses? Why? Economists use models that are substantiated by statistical analysis to study important issues such as economic growth, unemployment, productivity and efficiency, poverty and inequality, international trade, and the effects of government policy.
The Economics Department offers two undergraduate degrees, one through the College of Arts & Sciences, and the other through the Leavey School of Business. Students have the option to choose a concentration in data analysis or mathematical economics. The department also provides foundational courses for the graduate programs.
About our Programs
The economics major at Santa Clara University provides rigorous training in how to analyze important issues based on theory and data and how individuals, firms, and policymakers can use these methods to make good decisions.
Undergraduate
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Commerce through the Leavey School of Business, completing core curriculum across multiple business disciplines.
Undergraduate
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree through the College of Arts and Sciences.
Undergraduate
Santa Clara students of any major can complete an economics minor to complement their course of study.
The Leavey Difference
Economics Faculty
Economics faculty are engaged scholars and thought leaders who explore the forces shaping markets, policy, and behavior. With research that spans global development, environmental policy, and economic theory, they challenge students to think critically and act responsibly.
PROFESSOR, ECONOMICS
Dongsoo Shin
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ECONOMICS
Audrey Guo
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ECONOMICS
Vito Cormun
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ECONOMICS
Adrien Bouguen
Beyond the Classroom
Get involved outside of the classroom! Join one of our student networks to participate in Santa Clara University’s economics community and to meet others interested in economics.
News in Economics
Guo’s research highlights why unemployment insurance reform must address funding, not just benefits. Her analysis shows that expanding the taxable earnings base could strengthen state trust funds, reduce federal borrowing, and create a fairer balance between employers - making the system more equitable for workers and more resilient in future downturns.
In a large-scale study, economist Adrien Bouguen finds that mindset programs improve student outcomes—but their greatest power comes when paired with broader, long-term education reforms.
As we pass the six-month mark of President Trump’s second administration, one theme has remained constant: tariffs.
If you have any questions regarding economics department programs and events, please contact the following individuals:
Economics Association Inquiries: SCU Economics Association, econassociation@scu.edu
Undergraduate Economics Program Admissions Inquiries: Jo-Anne Shibles, jshibles@scu.edu
All Other Inquiries: economics@scu.edu