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Economics, BS

In the broadest sense, economics is the science of decision-making. You will learn how to identify the costs, benefits and consequences of a decision.

Often identified with the study of market behavior, economists also study issues that affect the market such as criminal behavior, poverty, law, environmental control, population, voting and political behavior.

At ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ you may earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics.

The BS in Economics requires courses in Economics (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory and American Economic History), as well as Economics electives, such as International Economics, Economic Development, Comparative Economic Systems, Econometrics, Mathematical Economics, Labor Economics, Money and Banking, and Public Economics.

In addition to the courses in Economics, BS Economics students must take at least 21 hours of John Chambers College of Business and Economics electives. Many take the introductory courses in each of the business areas, such as finance, management, marketing and business law, to get a basic introduction to business. Others concentrate in one or two areas. There is a great deal of flexibility to design a curriculum best suited to your interests.

Your Degree Plan The ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

The field of economics is very broad and can be applied many ways. Our graduates can do just about anything — government, law school, teaching or finance fields like insurance and banking.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Law and Economics

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 Program

    This major is eligible for the that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

  • Accelerated Program

    Economics offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ Honors College. Two programs are offered: and .

The ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • "Concept through operation" business services available through .
  • Student organizations unique to business.
  • Home of the , which contributes significantly to Morgantown and West Virginia.
  • Research opportunities in the Behavioral Economics and Situational Testing (BEAST) Lab through the Research Apprenticeship Program.
  • Chambers College awards annually, in addition to ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ scholarships.
  • Reynolds Hall, home of the Chambers College, opened in 2022.
  • Chambers College is fully accredited by the — the highest level of business school accreditation in the world.
Scholarships

93% of ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2023-24).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Present at academic conferences and publish work in academic journals.
  • Learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty members and doctoral students.
  • Participate in research through the .

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $76,950

Possible job titles include: Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist.

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City and Regional Planning Aides

Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.

Median Salary: $43,190

Possible job titles include: Community Planner, Planner, Planning Assistant, Planning Technician.

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Statistical Assistants

Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.

Median Salary: $51,440

Possible job titles include: Actuarial Analyst, Actuarial Assistant, Actuarial Technician, Research Assistant.

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Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $161,700

Possible job titles include: Banking Center Manager (BCM), Branch Manager, Credit Administration Manager, Financial Center Manager.

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Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $101,350

Possible job titles include: Analyst, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Securities Analyst.

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Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $102,140

Possible job titles include: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, Portfolio Manager.

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Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $90,400

Possible job titles include: Bank Examiner, Bank Secrecy Act Anti-Money Laundering Officer (BSA/AML Officer), Credit Union Examiner, Examining Officer.

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Financial Quantitative Analysts

Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $80,190

Possible job titles include: Investment Strategist, Portfolio Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Quantitative Equity Analyst.

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Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $80,190

Possible job titles include: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Forensic Accountant, Investigator, Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator).

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Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $112,590

Possible job titles include: Business Intelligence Analyst (BI Analyst), Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Market Intelligence Consultant.

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Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,440

Possible job titles include: Economic Analyst, Economic Consultant, Economist, Forensic Economist.

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Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,440

Possible job titles include: Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Research Economist, Resource Economist.

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Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $119,980

Possible job titles include: Economics Instructor, Economics Professor, Instructor, Professor.

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Potential Employers

Companies employing our graduates include:

  • American Income Life
  • Deloitte
  • Freddie Mac
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Truist

Graduates also have gone on to intern with the Cleveland Indians and work as chief economist for the city of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Many graduates choose to attend graduate school and are placed well into graduate programs.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ's Economics major, first-time freshmen must meet ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ's . They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Economics at ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

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Ways to Save

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Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Economics major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Economics can enroll at ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ÎçÒ¹¸£ÀûÊÓƵ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

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