Economics

J. Horowitz, Department Chair

bsu.edu/economics

Economics is more than just numbers—it's a way of understanding the forces that shape our world. You'll explore why prices rise and fall, how businesses and governments make decisions, and what fuels growth and innovation. At our university, you’ll build in-demand skills in data analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking. Employers value these skills highly—Indeed.com ranks economics among the top 10 most lucrative majors for starting salaries.

A degree in economics opens doors across a wide range of industries:

• Business: Financial analysis, consulting, marketing strategy
• Government: Public policy, economic research, program evaluation
• Healthcare: Systems management, health policy, resource planning
• Law: Exceptional preparation for law school and legal careers
• Education: Teaching, research, and academic administration

Economics pairs well with majors like accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, management, business analytics, health sciences, biology, psychology, philosophy, history, education, criminal justice, drama, mathematics, and political science, giving you a distinctive skill set that stands out in the job market.

• Business concentration: Ideal for students pursuing careers in finance, accounting, management, or marketing. This option blends core business courses with economics to help you understand market dynamics and strategic decision-making.
  
  
• Liberal Arts concentration: Customize your degree without taking the full business core. Choose from five specialized tracks:
  • General Economics: Broad exposure to key economic principles

  • Law and Economics: Designed for pre-law students

  • Financial Economics: Focus on banking, investment, and markets

  • Health Economics: Analyze economic challenges in healthcare

  • Political Economy: Study how economics interacts with government and policy

• Mathematical Economics: Offered jointly with the Department of Mathematical Sciences, this rigorous interdepartmental major is perfect for students interested in analytics, data science, or graduate study. You’ll gain strong quantitative skills and a deep understanding of economic modeling—excellent preparation for careers in business analytics, finance, actuarial science, and more. Many students choose this path to double major in mathematical economics and actuarial science or mathematical economics and mathematical sciences. (See Interdepartmental Programs for more details.)

Additional Programs

• Economics Minor (18 credits): Just six courses add powerful economic thinking to any major—perfect for students in political science, environmental studies, psychology, and more.
• Teaching License Option: Future educators can include economics as a specialized subject within a Social Studies teaching license.