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Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Economics

The BGSU Bachelor of Science in economics is ideal for students who wish to combine a major in economics with concentrated study in another discipline such as computer science, accounting, finance, marketing or management.

The degree's emphasis on critical thinking, quantitative analysis and an understanding of economic trends equips graduates with valuable skills sought after in today's data-driven and global job market.

Economists study the theory, and often very different practice, of how scarce resources are allocated to areas of economic production. What makes the price of oil go up? What is inflation and why would anyone care? All of these are questions in which economics plays an important role.

The economics B.S. degree program is housed in the Schmidthorst College of Business. Students receive a strong quantitative foundation in economics.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive business background with a focus on economics, the business administration bachelor’s program (BSBA) with a specialization in applied business economics might be an option for you.

Why study economics at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Substantial, meaningful research. Our faculty members are world-renowned thought leaders who ensure the latest industry trends and research are integrated into our classes. Their trailblazing research is published in leading business journals and shapes the future of business practice and theory.  
  • Active connections to industry and careers. Invaluable industry and alumni partners build connections and open doors. They share their knowledge, mentor and hire students for internships and full-time jobs. 
  • Learn from the experts. The department hosts conferences and colloquia each year that bring renowned economists to campus. We also host an undergraduate student paper contest and conference.
  • Real-world experience. Build your resume through structured co-ops and internships. Our students are highly recruited by companies from every state and many different countries. More than 90% of employers say they would hire their intern or co-op student as a permanent employee after graduation.
  • Economics Club. We strive to be a space for students to share their interests in economics. We have workshops centered around career opportunities, graduate programs, important papers in the field and public policy.
  • Career prep. We have a career coach embedded in the college who will prepare you for your first internship and continue to support you as you graduate and find full-time work.  Beta Alpha Psi hosts an annual meet the firms night, providing you additional opportunities to connect with employers and build your professional network.

Ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. for student experience

Poets&Quants, 2023

Career – what can you do with an economics degree?

Graduates of our B.S. in economics program gain valuable analytical thinking skills and find entry-level management positions in:

  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Government
  • Corporate
  • Consulting
  • Energy
  • Nonprofit and NGOs

You can pursue roles as a:

  • Financial analyst who provides insights into investment decisions
  • Business analysts who bridge data-driven strategies with corporate objectives
  • Policy analyst who shapes economic and social policies in government agencies

Career opportunities also exist in market research, consulting and data analysis across various industries.

A B.S. in economics serves as a strong foundation for pursuing a master's or Ph.D. for those interested in academic or research-oriented careers. Our students enter graduate programs in economics, business, law and other fields.

Career paths

  • Risk management
  • Federal Reserve Bank – research assistant
  • Data analyst
  • Financial analyst
  • Government (Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Urban Development)
  • Healthcare analyst
  • Portfolio risk manager
  • Statistical analyst
  • Corporate planner

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Curriculum

Economics students can double major by taking more credit hours in a secondary focus area in an arts and sciences field – sociology, political science, history, mathematics, psychology and more.

You also can combine an economics major with business fields, such as accounting, finance, marketing or management.

Economics majors gain a comprehensive understanding of how societies allocate resources and make choices to satisfy their needs and wants. They delve into the principles of microeconomics, which focus on individual decision-making, market behavior, and the allocation of goods and services. 

You will explore macroeconomics and examine the broader factors that influence national and global economies, including inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and economic growth. 

Economic majors also develop strong quantitative and analytical skills, enabling you to assess data, model economic phenomena and make informed predictions. 

This multifaceted knowledge equips our graduates to critically analyze complex economic issues, make data-driven decisions and contribute to industries, policy development and societal well-being.

Required courses

scob economics

Sample courses

  • Behavioral Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Game Theory
  • Money and Banking
  • Mathematical Economics
  • Econometrics
  • History of Economic Thought
  • Health Economics

One of only 6% of business schools with AACSB accreditation, the highest accreditation possible

Schmidthorst College of Business Specializations

The flexibility to complete one or more of our 12 specializations distinguishes us from other universities – and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Accounting
  • Applied Business Economics
  • Business Analytics and Intelligence
  • Finance
  • Individualized Business
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Sales and Services Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management

Premier entrepreneurship program

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at BGSU is one of 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

We weave entrepreneurship into all business programs and offer an entrepreneurship minor.

You can take courses in:

  • Real estate entrepreneurship
  • Women and social entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofit and corporate responsibility
  • Innovation and disruption

Top business leaders and entrepreneurs-in-residence bring real-world experience and expertise to our curriculum. A mentorship program connects students with alumni and industry leaders.

Thanks to an incubation program funded by alumni and supporters, more than $800,000 has been provided to student entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business

The Bachelor of Science in Economics is a program of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business

Updated: 08/12/2024 01:59PM