BSc in Economics and Finance

The Curriculum

Compared to the BBA program, the BSc program requires fewer business core courses but more analytical courses in economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics. Students take major courses starting their second year of study, then required and electives courses.

Curriculum for BSc Economics and Finance

		2^nd yr Fall	2^nd yr Spring	3^rd yr Fall	3^rd yr Spring	4^th yr Fall	4^th yr Spring
ECON 2174	Mathematics for Economists	4
ECON 3113	Microeconomic Theory I		4
ECON 3123	Macroeconomic Theory I	(3)	3
ECON 3133	Microeconomic Theory II			4	(4)
ECON 3143	Macroeconomic Theory II			4	(4)
ECON 3334	Econometrics	4	(4)	(4)
FINA 3103	Intermediate Investment			3
FINA x 2	Finance electives				3	3	(3)
ECON x 3	Economics electives				4	4	4
ECON 4670	Economic Research and Communication (for students admitted in 2021-22 or before)				(0)	(0)	(0)

Year-specific curriculum requirements

For students admitted in HKUST in 2025-26

For students admitted in HKUST in 2024-25

For students admitted in HKUST in 2023-24

For students admitted in HKUST in 2022-23

Program Intended Learning Objectives

Goal 1: Graduates will be critical and all rounded thinkers who make decisions supported by analytical and statistical techniques on economic problems/issues

Objectives / Intended outcome:

Identify core economic issues and make key assumptions.
Demonstrate proficiency in using taught analytical and statistical techniques.
Use analytical and statistical techniques to support assumptions.

Goal 2: Graduates will demonstrate effective group dynamics and English communication skills when solving business problems

Objectives:

Utilize group dynamics to be effective team members, including leaders and co-workers by providing opportunities in group projects.
Tackle problems through project/paper, and/or in-class participation and presentation.

Goal 3: Graduates will apply their knowledge of economics principles and skills to analyse economic questions in different business functions quantitatively

Objectives:

Demonstrate substantial knowledge of various economic principles to solve economic problems.
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of major empirical methods.
Use economic knowledge to provide recommendations for different business functions.
Use economic data and empirical methods/statistical knowledge to answer economic questions quantitatively and guide business decisions.

Goal 4: Graduates will understand the relation of ethical and social responsibilities balance with economic growth in local and global contexts

Objectives:

Relate social, sustainable, and environmental considerations with business opportunities and decisions.
Apply statistical techniques and economic theories to deliver positive business and social impacts at the local and international levels.

Suggested Courses Choices for Different Career Paths

B.Sc. graduates use their general education in Economics and Finance to pursue careers that require knowledge and quantitative skills in economics and finance, e.g., in banks, financial institutions, trade, and government agencies.

Economists

Money and banking; international trade and investment; international macroeconomics and finance; financial macroeconomics; minor in IT or Big Data Technology (CSE/COMP) with econometrics application

Consulting / Jobs Related to Data Analysis

Industrial organization and competitive strategy; labor economics and human resources; law and economics; programming econometrics with R; time series econometrics and business forecasting

Suggested Courses Choices Preparing for Further Study

PhD Courses

Microeconomic Theory I, II; Macroeconomic Theory I, II; Econometrics

MATH Courses

Multivariable Calculus, Introduction to Real Analysis or Real Analysis; Probability