Concentrate in Economics
Economic forces rule the world around us. Our complex economic system influences consumers, workers, businesses and governments. It permeates all aspects of our lives and choices we make.
Economists study those choices. They explain why economic situations occur, how markets work and how government policy influences the economy. By enhancing your skills with economics, you'll discover the many career options available to you.
Graduates might pursue investment banking or work as an actuary, budget analyst or trade specialist. A concentration in economics also serves as a firm foundation for graduate studies in business, public administration or international studies. It is also one of the best pre-law options for students.
BBA in Economics
Economics is a gateway to a new way of thinking and a successful career track. Our curriculum is designed to provide you with an understanding of the principles and institutions governing economic decisions made by households, businesses and governments. You will learn to find facts and interpret them consistently with economic thinking. You will learn to apply economic tools to make efficient business decisions in a complex market environment. You will also learn to apply economic tools to analyze decisions made by consumers, firms and policy makers. And, you'll learn to use economic models to analyze the impact of various government policies.
Analyzing the choices you have in pursuing an Economics degree is a crucial step in your journey, but an easy one. Choose Washburn University.
- Accreditation: Washburn School of Business is accredited by AACSB, a distinction bestowed upon only the top 5% of business schools nationwide
- Washburn students enjoy smaller class sizes, which are usually no more than 20 students.
- More than 98% of credit hours are delivered by professors with doctoral degrees, who have extensive teaching experience and strong research portfolios; no part-time instructors or graduate students teach these classes.
- Students gain experience in economic data analysis by working on class projects.
- Students may conduct independent studies with professors.
- Attending full-time, you can complete your degree in four years.
Once you learn to think like an economist, the way you look at life will change completely. You will see and understand things from an entirely new perspective. Economics graduates have access to many intellectually and financially rewarding job opportunities.
Minors & Related Programs
Further improve your employment opportunities by customizing your education to your career goals. By pursuing a minor, you will gain extra knowledge and specified skills that complement your bachelor's degree. Send a message to potential employers that you go above and beyond the standard!
BIZBOD TESTIMONIAL
"My interest in Economics began my second year at Washburn. The intimate atmosphere created by the professors got me 'hooked' as to how the world functions when it comes to economics. The courses were rigorous, but never seemed outside my reach. Without a doubt, the Washburn University School of Business has shaped my career path."
– Michael Austin, BBA Economics, 2012
Admissions & Advising
Washburn faculty and staff are ready to help you plan your educational journey. Whether you are a freshman and starting out or an upperclassman who needs an advisor, we are prepared to answer your questions and continue to provide support.
Freshmen and students new to the School of Business should visit with Amber Ybarra initially for help in determining their degree track. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may choose a faculty member advisor. Regularly working with your advisor ensures the best use of elective courses and the quickest, most efficient route to graduation.
Determining the correct catalog year is very important when using our advising literature. Catalog years dictate the requirements of your degree program and can change from year to year. These requirements will remain in force for up to seven years, or until the student decides to choose a newer catalog year. Sometimes it makes sense for a student to choose a newer catalog, while other times it’s more advantageous to use the older catalog. Regularly working with your advisor ensures you are following the right degree track.
- University requirements
- A minimum of 124 semester hours
- 24 semester hours must be in economics courses and must include Economics 200, 201, 211, 300 and 301
- 15 semester hours in economics will be at 300 or 400 level
- 84 semester hours will be outside your major
- 45 semester hours will be 300 or 400 level courses
- 15 semester hours will be in arts and humanities
- 15 semester hours will be in the social sciences
- 12 semester hours will be natural science and mathematics
- A 102 level language course or the equivalent
- A minimum grade point average of 2.0 earned in the 200-level economics courses is required before continuing to the 300-level courses.
Tips:
- Courses in mathematics, political science, history, sociology, psychology and philosophy are encouraged.
- Consider a minor in mathematics if you’re planning graduate study in Economics.
- Always work with your advisor to ensure you are meeting all degree requirements.
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Economics who meet the following criteria can earn Honors in Economics:
- Earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 in all Economics courses applied to the BA degree
- Demonstrate superior research and/or independent study skills while enrolled in Economics 405
- Be prepared to share all requested academic data and copies of written work for Economics 405 with the School of Business
- Be approved for honors designation by a two-thirds vote of the School of Business faculty.
- Remember to submit written notice of intent to graduate with honors to the Dean’s office early in your final semester.
Any Washburn student can earn a minor in Economics by completing:
- Economics 200 and 201
- 9 hours of economics coursework at the 300- and 400-level
- An approved course in statistics
By the Numbers
Starting Salary
$48,500
Student/Faculty Ratio
20:1
Annual Scholarships
$400,000
(to WU business students)Program Cost
Washburn offers a competitive tuition rate. Both in-state and out-of-state students (Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas) pay the same rate. Students who pursue a graduate degree through Washburn School of Business have even greater earning potential.
