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93%
of graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning
100%
of economics graduates are working or continuing their education
95%
of graduates working full time are satisfied with their jobs
Pursue a B.B.A. in economics
Economics helps explain many of the most important decisions businesses make: what to produce, how to price products, when to expand, where to invest and how to respond to changing markets. WMU’s B.B.A. in economics combines that economic way of thinking with a comprehensive foundation in business.
As part of the Haworth College of Business, you’ll complement your economics coursework with study in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management and other core business disciplines. This combination gives you a broad understanding of how organizations operate while helping you develop the analytical skills to evaluate markets, identify opportunities and make informed decisions.
The B.B.A. is an excellent choice for students who want a business-oriented degree with deeper training in economics.
What you'll learn
As a B.B.A. in economics student, you’ll develop a strong understanding of how individuals, businesses and markets make decisions. You’ll study microeconomics and macroeconomics while learning how economic conditions, competition, prices, incentives and government policies affect business strategy and performance.
Your business coursework will provide a broader understanding of areas such as finance, accounting, marketing and management. Together, these experiences will help you learn to identify complex problems, evaluate evidence, understand tradeoffs and make strategic decisions.
Upper-level economics courses also allow you to explore topics such as international economics, labor markets, behavioral economics, public policy, data analysis and other applied areas.
Student Quote
Economics has taught me to look beyond the numbers and understand why businesses and markets behave the way they do. Combining economics with the business curriculum has given me a broader perspective on how firms make decisions and the analytical skills to solve real-world business problems.
Where you'll be after graduation
The B.B.A. in economics prepares you for careers where business knowledge and analytical thinking intersect. Employers value economics graduates for their ability to understand markets, interpret information, evaluate alternatives and anticipate how changing economic conditions may affect an organization.
Career paths can include:
- Business analyst
- Financial or credit analyst
- Pricing analyst
- Market research analyst
- Management consultant
- Banking or financial services professional
- Risk analyst
- Forecasting analyst
- International trade specialist
- Operations or strategy analyst
- Business manager
- Economic analyst
Graduates can pursue opportunities in banking, finance, insurance, consulting, manufacturing, technology, health care, real estate, government and other industries.
The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional programs in areas such as business, economics, law and public administration.
What others have achieved
What others have achieved
From WMU to the FBI
- A 2009 BBA in economics student graduated and then immediately started what turned out to be a 12-year career with the FBI. She spent much of this time in Washington, DC, ultimately serving as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. She is now the chief strategy and product officer for the National Insurance Crime Bureau in Chicago.
Using their training to build their own business
- A 2025 BBA in economics graduate had a vision of operating their own marine services business in Michigan. He combined his economics and entrepreneurship training to grew his company's annual sales from 0 to $250K+ by expanding product lines, strengthening dealer relationships, and executing successful retail and e-commerce strategies.
Data-Driven Economic Development Work
- Two recent (2021, 2024) BBA graduates work in regional economic development agencies here in Michigan. Both analyze regional economic, workforce and industry trends to help businesses and communities make better decisions. In doing so, they identify opportunities for growth, forecast changes in the local economy, and turn data into strategies that attract investment, create jobs and strengthen their region.
Making the most of your learning experience
Your education extends beyond the classroom. As a student in the Haworth College of Business, you can take advantage of business-focused experiential learning, student organizations, employer connections and career-development opportunities.
Economics majors can also participate in the Economics Student Association, attend talks by visiting economists and business leaders, pursue internships and explore undergraduate research opportunities.
These experiences allow you to apply what you learn in class, develop professional connections and build the communication, analytical and problem-solving skills employers value.
Fast-track your learning with an accelerated master's
Qualified B.B.A. in economics students can begin graduate study through WMU’s Accelerated M.A. in applied economics program.
Eligible economics majors may take up to 12 credit hours of designated graduate economics courses during their senior year and apply those credits toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The accelerated program is particularly valuable for students who want to add advanced training in economics, statistics and applied research to their business education.
Students interested in the accelerated program should begin planning with the Department of Economics during their junior year.
What scholarships are available for an economics degree?
B.B.A. in economics students may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid offered by Western Michigan University, the Haworth College of Business and the Department of Economics.
The Department of Economics offers undergraduate awards including the Werner Sichel Undergraduate Prize and the Bill Monroe Scholarship. Students participating in the Accelerated M.A. in Applied Economics may also be eligible for the Mark V. Wheeler Memorial Scholarship.
The department also supports students who include economics in their study abroad experiences. Please contact the department for more information on this.
Students should also explore university and college-level scholarship opportunities for which they may qualify.
