Economics
Major, Minor, Accelerated Pathway
Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business
4-Year Degree
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- Key Benefits
- Plan of Study
- Tuition and Aid
The Economics Program at Westminster University
Economics examines the very foundation of life itself: How individuals and societies provide for their material existence. As such, through this program we will explore the causes of both wealth and poverty. Students will be required to post and ask their question like: What are the economic implications of the war on terrorism? How is a market economy organized? Why are unemployment rates higher in Europe than in the US? Why do women on average earn less than men? What do increases in government deficits mean for the economy? Why is consumer spending so important to the economy?
What Are the Key Benefits of the Economics Program?
- We involve students in real-world applications of theory, such as assessing the value of wilderness or conducting forecasts.
- We offer students the opportunity to do an internship. Many of our students have found internships with the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, the Department of Natural Resources, and the State Tax Commission, among others.
- Economics at Westminster offers a broader perspective than that found at most other academic institutions. This involves exposing students to the different perspectives within economics as well as honing their quantitative skills.
- Our program offers a strong international component. Three of our economics faculty are from countries outside the US. Moreover, many of our courses deal with important developments ongoing in the world economy: the transition from communism to market-based economies, the market reforms ongoing in China, and a number of special topic courses involving international travel.
- We offer students a choice of one of 2 tracks: the Bachelor of Science degree or the Bachelor of Arts degree.
sample economics courses
- ECON-150: Economics, Ethics, and Growth
- ECON-253: Elementary Macroeconomics
- ECON-303: Money and Banking
- ECON-365: Economic Justice
Our Faculty
Michael Mamo, PhD
Associate Professor
Cid Seidelman, PhD
Distinguished Service Professor
Alysse Morton, PhD
Assistant Professor
accreditation employers trust
The Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business is nationally accredited by the Association of College Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
I’ve had many impactful experiences at Westminster, but the most impactful was when
I was struggling in my Economics class and feeling hopeless. I was scared to talk
to my professor and ask for advice to do better in the class. We met, and it went
so well! This experience was so impactful because I’ve never had a teacher who cared
enough to meet every week and make sure I’m keeping up with the material."
Tyler Anderson
'23
Accelerated Programs and Partnerships
Several undergraduate programs at Westminster feature an accelerated track or partnership that allows our graduates to earn a graduate degree as quickly as possible.
Economics Career Opportunities
Economics provides excellent preparatory work for jobs in business, banking, or government. Economics teaches you to think. It teaches you to look at issues critically, how to analyze an issue and construct an argument, all of which are important job skills.
Many law schools require or look favorably on an Economics degree. Much of the law is based on economic principles. Many aspects of the law involves economic issues, such as contracts and torts. Economics teaches you both how to follow an analytical argument, as well as how to write, which are both valuable skills in a law practice.
Approximately half of Economics program graduates have gone on to graduate school, mostly in law. Students have also gone on to do graduate work in economics, business, finance, history, philosophy, political science, and even medical school. Almost every year, 1 or 2 students go on to do PhD work in economics.
Potential Employers
- Clearwater Analytics
- Thatcher Company
- Fidelity Investments
Economics Program Plan of Study
Through the Economics program, you will master the fundamental skills in all functional areas of business (through a common core) as well as the direct economics knowledge necessary to assure your success.
You have the option to choose to pursue the Economics program through one of 2 degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics requires you to choose one of 4 areas of concentration:
Liberal Arts
Incorporate a significant liberal arts component into your degree that emphasizes the close relationship between economics and the liberal arts. You can tailor the program to your interests by completing a minor in the liberal arts or a foreign language component along with additional liberal arts courses.
Pre-Law
Prepare yourself for graduate work in law or economics. You will be required to take a minor in English, Philosophy, Business, Justice Studies, or Political Science. You will be trained to analyze legal issues in terms of costs and benefits, and the extensive use of models will help you approach problems logically.
Theory and Policy
Support your professional interests as an analyst in government, public policy research groups, energy and environmental organizations, and for-profit and non-profit organizations by completing an intensive focus on theoretical and practical applications of economics.
Mathematics
If you wish to pursue graduate work in economics or quantitative fields, focusing on mathematics gives you a clear progression of coursework that will prepare you to do so.
Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
If you seek an economics degree integrated with a strong foundation in business fundamentals that emphasizes the close relationship between economics and business, this is the best option for you.
In addition to the business core and program-specific requirements of your degree, you will also be required to complete the ETS Major Field Test in Business before you are eligible to graduate.
Liberal Education Courses
You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.
related programs
The program can also be taken as a minor, which is an excellent complement to all business majors and many of the majors in the Westminster College of Arts and Sciences.
Tuition and Aid
There's No Better Investment Than You
Westminster University knows you want an education where you matter—a place that will serve as a launchpad for a successful career and a meaningful life. Westminster will work with you individually through every step of the financial aid process. From scholarships to grants and loans, Westminster helps you make it happen.
With the highest percentage of students who complete one or more internships in the state, Westminster students hit the ground running with real-world experience. Plus, 90% of students were either employed or attending graduate school within 5 months of graduating. With a Westminster degree, you don't have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling life.
You’ll be automatically considered for scholarship and grant opportunities.
In addition to general merit scholarships, other scholarship programs are available to support you throughout your time at Westminster.
Check Out ScholarshipsYour tuition, fully paid
All students should have the ability to explore their passions. Westminster University is proud to cover the cost of tuition for qualifying students through the Westminster Commitment.