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Economics (BS)Major

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.

Overview

What is Economics (BS) at WVU like?

Description

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.

Two colleges at WVU offer a major in Economics. You may earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics from the College of Business and Economics.

Students earning a BS in Economics must take required 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 elective hours from the College of Business and Economics. 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.

Economics (BS) program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Economics (BS) at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Economics students conduct research and are engaged with faculty. Students also are involved in conducting experiments and can participate in small business plan competitions and programs through the Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

As seniors, students can tailor their capstone course, ECON 481 American Economic History, to reflect their interests.

3+3 Law Degree Program

This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

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

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 WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

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

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Many students choose to attend graduate school and place well into graduate programs. Recent graduates have gone on to attend Penn State Law on a full scholarship, intern with the Cleveland Indians and work as chief economist for the city of Quincy, Massachusetts

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Economics (BS) major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Economics (BS) at WVU?

ECON 441:
Public Economics

Economic roles of the public sector. Particular attention to market failure, redistributing income, the financing of public sector activities, relationships between federal, state, and local governments, and public choice.

ECON 451:
International Economics

Development of trade among nations; theories of trade; policies, physical factors, trends, barriers to trade. Determination of exchange rates. Open economy macroeconomics.

Cost and Aid

How much does Economics (BS) at WVU 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.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the John Chambers College of Business and Economics may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

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

Learn More

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 WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Economics (BS) at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Economics (BS) major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

For direct admission to majors in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics:

  • GPA: 3.00

Admission to Business:

Applicants must also meet minimum GPA requirements for admission to the University.

  • ACT Math: 19
  • SAT Math: 510
  • ALEKS: 30

If you don't meet the admission requirements for WVU's Economics (BS) major, check out some related programs.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Request Information

Want to know more about Economics (BS) at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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