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John Chambers College of Business and Economics

Economics, BS

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.

At WVU you may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics or a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

The BS in Economics requires 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 at least 21 hours of John Chambers College of Business and Economics electives. 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 1 or 2 areas. There is a great deal of flexibility to design a curriculum best suited to your interests.

Your Degree Plan

The field of economics is very broad and can be applied many ways. Our graduates can do just about anything, including government, law school, teaching, or finance fields like insurance and banking.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in 1 of these areas:

Law and Economics

View in Catalog
Take advantage of special options related to this major:

3+3 Law 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 6 years instead of 7 years.

Accelerated BS/MS in Economics

Economics offers the option to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.

Honors

Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

  • Present at academic conferences and publish work in academic journals.
  • Learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty members and doctoral students.
  • Participate in research through the Research Apprenticeship Program.
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,440

Possible Job Titles: Economic Analyst, Economic Consultant, Economist, Forensic Economist

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Statistical Assistants

Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.

Median Salary: $51,440

Possible Job Titles: Actuarial Analyst, Actuarial Assistant, Actuarial Technician, Research Assistant

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Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $161,700

Possible Job Titles: Banking Center Manager (BCM), Branch Manager, Credit Administration Manager, Financial Center Manager

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Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $76,950

Possible Job Titles: Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist

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Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $101,350

Possible Job Titles: Analyst, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Securities Analyst

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Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients’ assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $102,140

Possible Job Titles: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, Portfolio Manager

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $90,400

Possible Job Titles: Bank Examiner, Bank Secrecy Act Anti-Money Laundering Officer (BSA/AML Officer), Credit Union Examiner, Examining Officer

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Financial Quantitative Analysts

Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.

Has a Bright Outlook

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $80,190

Possible Job Titles: Investment Strategist, Portfolio Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Quantitative Equity Analyst

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Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $80,190

Possible Job Titles: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Forensic Accountant, Investigator, Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator)

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Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $112,590

Possible Job Titles: Business Intelligence Analyst (BI Analyst), Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Market Intelligence Consultant

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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.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,440

Possible Job Titles: Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Research Economist, Resource Economist

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Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $83,720

Possible Job Titles: Community Development Planner, Planner, Planning Consultant, Planning Technician

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Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $119,980

Possible Job Titles: Economics Instructor, Economics Professor, Instructor, Professor

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Potential employers

Companies employing our graduates include:

  • American Income Life
  • Deloitte
  • Freddie Mac
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Truist

Graduates also have gone on to intern with the Cleveland Guardians and work as chief economist for the city of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Many graduates choose to attend graduate school and are placed well into graduate programs.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Economics major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Admission to Business

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 2.5
  • ACT Math: 20
  • SAT Math: 520

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

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 3.0

Tuition and Aid

How much does Economics 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.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Economics, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

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

More About Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

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

Request Info

Want to know more about Economics at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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