Program Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Political Economy is a STEM-certified specialized curriculum inspired by the observation that businesses operate in environments greatly influenced by political decisions, decisions that the businesses themselves contribute to shaping. To foster a uniquely global perspective, the BPE program includes two full semesters of global study at NYU's global campuses: London in your sophomore fall and Shanghai in your junior spring, and an optional additional semester abroad during the junior fall. The BPE degree will prepare students for a broad array of international business careers at multinational corporations, in government, at non-profit organizations, and more.
NYU Stern students take elective courses from across the University to broaden their intellectual experience. Students may also pursue a minor or a second major in the College of Arts and Science in areas ranging from psychology to the fine arts, or they can choose to minor at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development; the Tisch School of the Arts; the Tandon School of Engineering; or the Silver School of Social Work. Students can also participate in one of NYU Stern’s many cross-school interdisciplinary minors offered in conjunction with the College of Arts and Science; the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development; the Tisch School of the Arts; and the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. NYU Stern also offers a comprehensive variety of semester abroad programs and short-term immersion opportunities.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
Program Requirements
The program requires the completion of 128 credits, comprised of the following:
Additional Policies
Calculus Requirement
Students with qualifying scores in certain AP and other foreign maturity exams (IB, A-Level, etc.) may apply credit to satisfy the Calculus I requirement.
Liberal Arts Core Area Studies Elective
Students must complete one course on the history, culture, or politics of your Study Away region.
Global Experience Requirement
Beginning with the Classes of 2027 and going forward, students are required to complete a Global Experience through any of the following: (i) NYU semester away, (ii) Stern International Business Exchange (IBEX) semester away, (iii) Stern short-term immersion course, or (iv) other NYU global experiences, such as NYU school-specific programs or the NYU exchange program. NYU Stern is committed to making a Global Experience accessible for all students, and there are aid opportunities available for those with demonstrated financial need.
Economics Elective
To fulfill the Economics elective requirement, students must take one of:
Econometrics Requirement
Classes of 2028 and beyond will be required to take a BPE Econometrics-focused course during their junior spring at NYU Shanghai. More information about this requirement will be available in the near future.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the political economy’s approach to the analysis of social phenomena, and in particular of those arising from interactions directly involving businesses.
- Students will exhibit ownership of analytical and empirical methods commonly used in the study of such phenomena, and prove to be able to competently and effectively communicate the results of their intellectual work.
- Exhibit intellectual curiosity, high levels of intellectual engagement, and open-mindedness to new ideas and alternative points of view.
- Achieve understanding of the role of business within our global society.
Additionally, graduates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of how heterogeneity in cultural and institutional conditions may lead societies to make different collective choices when facing similar challenges.
- Understanding of how the international movement of goods and services, capital, people, and ideas can lead to material spillover effects of such choices on other countries.
- Awareness of the conditions under which international cooperation may be needed in order to achieve efficient and/or equitable allocations of resources.
Policies
Program Policies
Concentrations
BPE students have two designations included in their major: business and political economy. BPE students are not able to pursue business concentrations (examples: finance, accounting, marketing, management, computing & data science, etc.), but can still take the same coursework as BS in Business students who may be pursuing concentrations.
A Second Major in the College of Arts & Science (CAS)
It is possible for a student to complete a second major at CAS except for majors in economics or politics. Students interested in pursuing a major at CAS should meet with their academic adviser early on in their academic careers to ensure they can fulfill all the requirements. Consult the Stern and CAS websites for more specific information.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Stern Policies
Additional academic policies can be found on the Stern Undergraduate academic policies page.