BPE: An overview

Stern’s BS in Business and Political Economy (BPE) program is a is a four-year, STEM-eligible degree that combines business fundamentals and social impact with an in-depth study of political economy—examining how markets, governments, and policies shape global economic outcomes.

Through BPE, you get the unique opportunity to spend two semesters at NYU study away sites:

Sophomore Fall: London, England 🇬🇧
Junior Spring: Shanghai, China 🇨🇳

In addition to these two required semesters abroad, you can pursue an optional third semester away from NYC (junior fall) in consultation with your academic adviser.

The curriculum

If you’re accepted to the program, there are a few courses you have to complete in your first year before studying away:

Calculus I
Statistics (4 units total)
Business & Society
Cohort Leadership Program
Writing
Microeconomics

All BPE transfer students take POL-UA 100 Intro to Political Theory before graduating, to cover political theory content that was not included in non-BPE writing classes during the first semester.

You can check out the BPE curriculum worksheet to get a better sense of what all your coursework will look like throughout your time at Stern. And once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to work with your adviser and figure out the best schedule for you! 😉

How to apply

So, you're interested... what's next? Send in your application by Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET.

First-year students currently in the BS and Khubani BTE programs are eligible to transfer into BPE.

The BPE transfer application includes two essay questions of no more than 500 words each. Admissions decisions will be sent out during the January term.

Tiffany Zhao, BPE '24

“BPE has completely made my college experience. I’ve made lifelong friends, found belonging in a community of both alumni and underclassmen, and formed relationships with professors and faculty. I’ve learned more about the world than I otherwise could have—through both travels and coursework illuminating the intersectionality of business, government, and economics. Thanks to BPE, I now feel well equipped to succeed in any career I want anywhere in the world.”

Iola Cheng-Thomas, BPE ‘24

"Transferring into BPE was the best decision I made in college. It is such a tight-knit community of people with varied opinions but shared interests. The classes in this program have broadened my perspectives on the way that I view the world around me, and I have learned so much not only from the classes, but also from the amazing people in BPE that I'm surrounded by. Going abroad was also an amazing experience, and BPE allowed me to travel with a community of supportive people. I could not recommend this program more!"

Reminders

Once you join BPE, Business and Political Economy becomes your major and you cannot declare other concentrations (but can still pursue minors or a CAS co-major). That said, you can still use your elective space to take advanced business courses in other areas!

The BPE program requires some flexibility from transfer students which may limit some of your course options, especially in semesters away from New York. In order to be eligible for study away, you are expected to be in good academic standing at the end of the spring semester.

You might have to make some changes to your Spring class schedule if you’re accepted, and advisers will help you when needed!

Have more questions?

If you’re interested in applying to BPE and want to learn more about what the program might look like for you, you can reach out to MaryKate Chester at mchester@stern.nyu.edu or make an appointment through NYU Connect with any of the advisers who work with BPE students: MaryKate, Kevin, or Scott.

You can also connect with BPE Peer Mentors (make an appointment with Amanda, Maya, or Sachi!) to hear about the program from a student perspective.