The Bard Program in Economics and Finance

A dual-degree program for the enterprising student
of liberal arts and sciences

This fall 2007, Bard College will begin offering a new bachelor of science degree in economics and finance, a component of a new five-year dual degree program in which students receive, in addition to the B.S. degree in economics and finance, a bachelor of arts degree in the arts; languages and literature; science, mathematics, and computing; or a social studies field other than economics. The new degree is geared both toward students preparing for careers in the arts and sciences who want to be well prepared to navigate the increasing role that finance, investment, and economics play in these fields, and students preparing for careers in the financial world who also wish to achieve a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences.

“We have found that many of our graduates, regardless of their major course of study, are seeking additional education in economics and finance to help them to achieve their career goals,” said Dimitri Papadimitriou, executive vice president of Bard and president of The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. “Economics and finance have become a central part both of every day life and most careers, and we believe that this new dual degree program will help to serve Bard students from across the curriculum, from arts majors to economics majors seeking careers in finance.”

The Program
The academic program for the dual degree focuses on general economics and finance, taught by faculty from the College’s Economics Program, as well as new faculty who will teach courses in corporate finance, investment, and accounting. The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College will also provide support and unique opportunities to students in the new program. The B.S./B.A. requires 156 credits; this includes all general educational requirements of the College’s B.A. program. Students are required to complete a capstone project in finance and economics, as well as the Senior Project required of all B.A. students at Bard.

Applying
Candidates may apply to Bard through the regular or the Early Action application process, or, in certain cases, through the Bard Immediate Decision Plan. They may use either the Bard Application, the Common Application, or the Universal College Application. Indicate clearly on the application that you are applying to the Program in Economics and Finance. If you are using the Common Application, indicate at the top of the page that you are applying also to the Program in Economics and Finance.