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98%
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93%
of graduates participated in experience-driven learning
100%
of economics graduates are working or continuing their education
Pursue a B.A. in economics
Economics provides a powerful way to understand the choices people, businesses and governments make—and the consequences of those choices. WMU’s B.A. in Economics gives you a strong foundation in economic theory and analysis while providing the flexibility to explore other academic interests.
You can combine economics with coursework in areas such as political science, public policy, history, international studies, communication, business or other fields that complement your career goals. Along the way, you’ll develop analytical, problem-solving and communication skills that are valuable across a wide range of professions.
The B.A. is an excellent choice for students seeking a versatile economics degree that can be tailored to their individual interests and future plans.
The B.A. offers flexibility and breadth, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing double majors, minors, or interdisciplinary interests. Best for students who want:
- A strong liberal arts foundation
- Flexibility to combine economics with other fields
- Preparation for careers or graduate study that value broad analytical skills
What you'll learn
As an economics major, you’ll learn how individuals, businesses and governments respond to incentives, make choices and interact in markets. You’ll study microeconomics and macroeconomics while exploring how economists use theory, evidence and data to understand real-world issues.
Upper-level electives allow you to investigate topics that interest you, including international economics, labor markets, health, the environment, inequality, behavioral economics, public policy and other applied areas.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop the ability to think critically, evaluate competing arguments, interpret economic evidence and communicate your conclusions clearly—skills that translate well to careers and graduate or professional study.
Student Quote
“Studying economics taught me how to look at complex issues from different perspectives and think critically about the choices people, businesses and governments make. The flexibility of the B.A. also allowed me to combine economics with my other academic interests and build a degree that fit what I wanted to do after graduation.”
Where you'll be after graduation
The flexibility of the B.A. in economics program prepares you for opportunities across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Economics graduates bring employers a valuable combination of analytical thinking, problem-solving and an understanding of how markets, institutions and public policies affect decision-making.
You will graduate ready for careers in business and financial analysis, government and public administration, consulting, market research, international trade, nonprofit organizations, journalism and policy analysis. Recent graduates are working at banks and financial institutions, real estate companies insurance agencies and more as:
- Commodities traders
- Consumer affairs directors
- Credit analysts
- Economists
- Estate planners
- Financial officers
- Financial planners or analysts
- Health care administrators
- Management consultants
- Market research analysts
- Public administrators
- Real estate agents or brokers
- Statisticians
The B.A. also provides strong preparation for students interested in law school or graduate study in public policy, public administration, business, economics and other social sciences.
What others have achieved
What others have achieved
From WMU to the Federal Reserve Bank
- A 2024 BA in Economics graduate spent one year working for the WMU Evaluation Center prior to accepting a Research Analyst position with the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston, MA. There, she works with Fed economists to analyze economic data and conducts research that contributes to the Fed's understanding of the economy and monetary-policy discussions.
Groundbreaking Economic Development Policy Research
- A 2024 BA in Economics graduate is a Research Analyst for the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, one of the world's leading labor economics research groups. There, she works with a variety of public and proprietary datasets related to demographics, labor markets, and economic indicators. As a research analyst, she contributes to economic impact studies, program evaluations, and research that supports strategies for regional economic development.
Combining a passion for economics and the law
- A 2026 BA in Economics graduate was a double major in political science. After serving a year as a legislative intern for a Michigan State Senator, he now serves as the senator's legislative director. In this job, he leads the senator's legislative and policy work, helping turn the senator’s policy priorities into legislation while managing much of the substantive work behind the scenes.
Making the most of your learning experience
Your economics education can extend well beyond the classroom. Economics majors are encouraged to pursue internships with businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, participate in undergraduate research and attend lectures and events featuring economists and other experts.
Students can also become involved with the Economics Student Association, where they can discuss current economic issues, meet other students interested in economics and interact with visiting scholars.
The flexibility of the B.A. also makes it easier to combine economics with a second major, minor, study abroad experience or other academic interests that can help you build a distinctive educational experience.
Fast-track your learning with an accelerated master's
Qualified B.A. in Economics students can get an early start on WMU’s Master of Arts in Applied Economics through the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program.
Eligible students can begin taking graduate economics courses while completing their undergraduate degree and apply graduate credits toward both degrees. The program can provide an efficient pathway for students who want to add advanced training in economics, data analysis and applied research to the broad foundation developed through the B.A.
Students interested in the accelerated program should begin planning with the Department of Economics before their senior year.
What scholarships are available for an economics degree?
Yes. WMU students have access to university, College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Economics scholarship opportunities.
The Department of Economics offers undergraduate awards recognizing outstanding economics students, including the Werner Sichel Undergraduate Prize and the Bill Monroe Scholarship. Students in the Accelerated M.A. in Applied Economics program may also be eligible for the Mark V. Wheeler Memorial Scholarship.
WMU’s financial aid and scholarship resources can help you identify additional opportunities based on academic achievement, financial need and other criteria.
We also financially support students who include economics courses in their study abroad programs. Please contact the department for more information on this when considering study abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Other degrees of interest
B.S. in economics
B.S. in mathematics
Pre-law
