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Economics (BA)

The Economics BA program emphasizes a broad liberal arts education. With 40+ hours of unrestricted electives, you can expand your skill set with a second major or a variety of minors.

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Description

What is Economics (BA) at WVU like?

Description

In the broadest sense, economics is the science of decision-making. Students 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. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics from the College of Business and Economics.

The BA program emphasizes a broad liberal arts education, while the BS program includes training in the various disciplines of business.

The program leading to the BA degree in Economics is designed for students who wish to combine fundamental training in economics with a liberal arts education. In addition to the liberal studies and related requirements, BA students have a great deal of unrestricted electives, allowing them to broaden their skill set with a second major or a variety of minors.

At a Glance

College/School:Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Designation:BA
Degree Program:Economics
Program website:Economics (BA)

Opportunities

What makes Economics (BA) at WVU unique?

Academic
Financial Support

Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
Funding available through the Academic Enrichment Program.

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

What can you do with a degree in Economics (BA)?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Economics (BA) 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.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Possible job titles for this career include: Economics Professor.

$95,770 Median Salary

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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. Possible job titles for this career include: Economic Analyst.

$101,050 Median Salary

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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. Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Economist.

$101,050 Median Salary

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Financial Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions. Possible job titles for this career include: Analyst.

$81,760 Median Salary

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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. Possible job titles for this career include: Credit Union Examiner.

$79,280 Median Salary

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Financial Managers, Branch or Department

Direct and coordinate financial activities of workers in a branch, office, or department of an establishment, such as branch bank, brokerage firm, risk and insurance department, or credit department. Possible job titles for this career include: Banking Center Manager (BCM).

$121,750 Median Salary

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Financial Quantitative Analysts

Develop quantitative financial products used to inform individuals or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk. Investigate methods for financial analysis to create mathematical models used to develop improved analytical tools or advanced financial investment instruments. Possible job titles for this career include: .

$69,470 Median Salary

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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 (BA) at WVU?

Major Map

Check out the course requirements and suggested plan of study for WVU's Economics (BA) major.

View the Major Map

For a program overview, learning goals and course descriptions, visit the course catalog.

Cost

How much does Economics (BA) at WVU cost?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2018-19 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Semester	$4,896
Fall and Spring Semesters	$9,792

Non-Resident
Per Semester	$13,188
Fall and Spring Semesters	$26,376

International
Per Semester	$13,488
Fall and Spring Semesters	$26,976

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Net Price Calculator

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Ways to Save

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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 (BA) at WVU?

University Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Economics (BA) major, you must first meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2018-19 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Related Pathways

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

Business and Communications
Our world relies on the exchange of information, ideas, goods and services. Majors in this pathway ready you for the rapidly evolving business and media fields.

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Law and Public Policy
If you’re passionate about serving the greater good, these majors will prepare you for government, law, criminal justice and related fields.

Learn More
Liberal Arts and Humanities
This broad range of majors is the gateway to an even broader range of careers. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge in one area, plus skills like communication, problem-solving and critical thinking that apply to many disciplines.

Learn More

Related Programs

What other options does WVU have?

Economics (BS)
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.

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