University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is a public research university in the University of California system, known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, strong ties to Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area, and a campus culture that blends academic rigor with independent, research-driven learning. Its location just over the hill from San Jose gives students direct access to one of the country’s largest concentrations of technology, venture capital, and consulting employers.
Business Management Economics & the Economics Department
UC Santa Cruz doesn’t have a traditional business school — instead, business-focused study lives within the Economics Department, primarily through the Business Management Economics (BME) major, alongside Economics, Global Economics, and a combined Economics and Mathematics degree.
A rigorous, in-demand major
The BME program pairs core business principles — finance, marketing, leadership, and data analysis — with a strong foundation in economic theory, preparing students to understand the decision-making processes behind successful organizations. UC Santa Cruz ranks in the top 10% of the country for managerial/business economics programs, and No. 1 in California, according to College Factual.
Clear path to consulting careers
Both the BME and Economics majors are explicitly positioned around consulting outcomes — the Economics Department lists management consulting among its core career paths, alongside financial analysis, data science, and policy advising. Graduates go on to roles as business analysts, financial managers, and consultants across industries.
Real client experience
Students looking for hands-on consulting exposure can join 180 Degrees Consulting at UC Santa Cruz, a chapter of the world’s largest student consultancy for nonprofit organizations, where students develop real business solutions for Bay Area clients.
Entrepreneurial and technology-adjacent pathways
Students interested in the intersection of business and technology can pursue the Technology and Information Management program through the Jack Baskin School of Engineering, or the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, which includes direct client work through freelancing, consulting, or contract engagements — supported by the campus’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development.
