The Scholars in Capitalism Studies program is offered through a partnership between the School of Business and the Department of Economics. The program gives undergraduates the opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of capitalism through coursework, mentorship, and co-curricular activities.

Program Requirements

1. Successfully complete three business school courses (BEM) totaling 6 credits. 

Capitalist Principles and the Business Environment. 1.5 credits. Spring term. 

Leaders who understand the intellectual underpinnings of a capitalist market economy and how these principles shape the business environment are better equipped to grapple with the opportunities and constraints of policy shifts. 

Scholars must complete this course before taking the other two courses. 

Contemporary Issues in Business and Foundations of Capitalism. 3 credits. Spring term

In every free market system, leaders must decide how to face business issues at the intersection of private companies and the public domain, such as social responsibility, climate change, and global financial crises like COVID-19.  

Business Management and State Capitalism. 1.5 credits. Spring term

In recent decades, many nations have moved away from neoliberal capitalism toward different forms of state capitalism. Understanding these trends helps leaders grasp their impact on growth, innovation, economic inequality, entrepreneurship, business efficiency, immigration, and trade. 

2. Complete at least two semesters of mentoring. Scholars are expected to meet throughout the semester with senior business leaders, who share real-life knowledge and advice and support personal and professional growth.

3. Be an active participant! The Center provides opportunities to attend conferences, join book clubs, and meet leaders invited to speak on campus. As seniors, Scholars can become Senior Scholars and run the program's Executive Committee.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY...

The Scholars in Capitalism program gave me a framework for understanding free markets that has proven invaluable as I’ve begun my professional career. Beyond the classroom, the faculty, my mentor, and the community of scholars provided guidance and relationships that continue to influence how I approach both my work and long-term career goals.

-- Zach Hansen, Investment Banking Analyst - High Grade Debt Capital Markets at Wells Fargo

WHAT MENTORS SAY...

The Scholars in Capitalism program prepares the next generation of business leaders to understand a fundamental truth: economic success and societal impact are not competing goals; they reinforce one another.

-- Maria Ghazal, President and CEO of the Healthcare Leadership Council

Not nearly enough schools offer a Program like Wake Forest's Capitalism Program. It gives students a way to set themselves apart and the right mindset to succeed in the real world.

-- Alex Wilson, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Cyclops

WHAT LEADERS SAY...

The students I have met at Wake Forest are intellectually curious, thoughtful, and eager to wrestle with the complex economic, ethical, and societal questions that surround capitalism and free enterprise. The program helps develop graduates who understand not only how capitalism creates prosperity, but also how it can be a force for good when guided by sound values and ethical leadership.

--John Taft, Vice Chairman of Baird and Executive in Residence, Center for the Study of Capitalism 

The Scholars in Capitalism Studies program is unique in its commitment to combining rigorous academic study and meaningful engagement with experienced business leaders. The students I have met are knowledgeable and thoughtful about the responsibilities of leadership in a free market economy. 

-- The Honorable Elaine Chao, 18th U. S. Secretary of Transportation; 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor; 

first Asian Pacific American woman appointed to the President’s cabinet