“What makes the Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University so special?” I get asked this question a lot. Today I will tell you a story about it.
The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University has a rich history. It is a center for economic education in Russia. The Economic Faculty was established by decree of the rector of the University in 1940. It became the first economic faculty in the country’s universities.
To understand its significance we must go back to the 19th century. In 1819 Saint Petersburg State University established a department of political economy and statistics. This was a very early version of what we know now as the Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University. Professor Balugyansky taught economic theory. Professors Plisov Hermann and Arsenyev taught statistics.
In 1919 a Faculty of Social Sciences was created. It included economics law pedagogy history and linguistics. In 1921 future Nobel laureate Vasily Leontief studied there. In 1940 the Faculty of Political Economy was created. Professor Voznesensky became the first dean. By 1941 there were two departments political economy and specific economies.
During World War II the university was evacuated to Saratov. Teaching continued despite the blockade and bombing. After returning to Leningrad in 1945 the faculty grew quickly. In 1945 the Department of Statistics was re-established. In 1946 statistical divisions were created.
In 1949 several professors were repressed during the “Leningrad Affair”. In 1949 the Faculty of Political Economy was renamed the Economic Faculty. In the 1960s evening classes were introduced. New specializations were created. The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University became a leading center for economic education in the USSR.
In the 1990s new specializations emerged. The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University began admitting Russian students to the “World Economy” program. Today the Economic Faculty has 13 departments. There are more than 150 professors and senior lecturers. Many graduates hold positions in the Russian government.
The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University actively collaborates with foreign partners. They do joint research host international conferences and publish articles and books. The faculty also participates in international exchange programs. It offers foreign students the “Summer School Business in Russia”. Dynamic SPbU Alumni Clubs operate in 14 countries.
So there you have it. The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University is not just a faculty. It is a place of discovery innovation and growth. It’s a place where the economists of tomorrow are forged. Its graduates go on to shape the world. The Economic Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University continues to uphold its traditions while embracing the future.