Business Economics Major

Undergraduate Business Economics Major

Start with economic principles, end on real business impact.

Economists think differently, giving them a leg up in addressing complex problems.

With our Business Economics major, you get that economist perspective plus a strong business foundation. Which adds up to skills that can make a surprisingly big difference, whether it’s analyzing public issues, applying economic theory to industries ranging from energy to education or using economic frameworks to make better business decisions.

Business Economics Major Overview

Economists study how scarce resources can be efficiently allocated to produce the maximum number of goods and services. Economists conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, and develop forecasts. They apply economic theory to endeavors such as banking, finance, manufacturing, education, law, international trade, labor, insurance, agriculture, health, criminal justice, energy, natural resources, and telecommunications.

The field of economics provides a framework for analyzing and solving problems that arise from scarcity. Public issues—inflation, unemployment, budget deficits, and environmental pollution, for example—as well as individual and business decision-making, are examples of the economist's work.

The Business Economics (BSBA) major is highly structured with a specific set of business foundation and core classes that must be completed in a predetermined sequence.  Two semesters of foreign language are required.  You can think of this degree as learning about business and economics, consequently a minor is not required. Admissions into the Business Economics major requires participating in the highly competitive Eller College Professional Admissions process and taking the same core classes as the other business majors.

The Eller College also offers an Economics (BA) major. Both majors will prepare you for careers including but not limited to consulting, banking, research, analytics, insurance, criminal justice, labor, energy, and health, as well as graduate school, including law school and further study in Economics (Masters or PhD).  To be admitted to the BA Economics major, students go through the BA Economics Advanced Standing process. 

Business Economics Advising

Every Eller Business Economics student has an assigned advisor to help with the academic and career questions that come up as you study here. Get to know yours.

Meet Brand Diguardi, Business Economics Advisor

Department of Economics

The Eller Economics Department is a world-recognized pioneer in experimental and behavioral economics. And thanks to our award-winning faculty, it’s a great place for undergraduates to learn about a field that matters more than ever.

Explore the Department of Economics

Business Economics Sample Coursework Plan

How your Eller Business Economics experience can play out:

This sample plan is based on 14-17 credits per semester, but each student and their academic plan is unique. Please meet with your Academic Advisor to create a custom plan for you.  Please note that your General Education requirements, including second language, are determined by when you were admitted to the university.  Your Academic Advisor can help you navigate the requirements relevant for you. For a full list of official degree requirements, check out the University General Catalog. 

Students interested in Economics can also explore the Eller Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics. 

First Year

1st Semester
Course Units
ENGL 101* First Year Composition  
MIS 111* Computers and Internetworked Society 
MIS 112* Computers and Internetworked Society Lab  
MATH 112 College Algebra Concepts and Applications  
General Education and/or Second Language  
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days		 3
3
1
3
3-7
Total 13-17    
2nd Semester
Course Units
ENGL 102* First Year Composition  
MATH 116* Calculus Concepts for Business Majors (Grade of C or better required for students to be eligible to apply for Business Economics Major)
General Education  
General Education and/or Second Language 
BNAD 100 Language and Context of Business  
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days 		 3
3
3
3-7
1
Total 13-17
Summer
Use summer to catch up on math if behind in sequencing based on placement results prior to your first year.

Sophomore Year

1st Semester
Course Units
BNAN 276* Statistical Inference in Management 
ACCT 200* Introduction to Financial Accounting  
ECON 200* Basic Economic Issues  
General Education  
General Education
BNAD 200 Career Management in Business  
    
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days		 3
3
3
3
3
1
Total 16
2nd Semester
Course Units
ACCT 210* Introduction to Managerial Accounting  
BNAN 277* Analytical Methods for Business 
BCOM 214* Fundamentals of Business Communication  
General Education  
General Education or Ethics**  
   
Attend Career Showcase and apply for Professional Admissions in February, and attend UA Spring Career Days		 3
4
3
3
3
Total 16
Summer
We highly recommend that students participate in a study abroad and career-related experience.

In order to take the following upper-division courses, students must be admitted to the major through a competitive and selective Professional Admission process. Business Economics also requires at least a 'C' or better grade in both ECON 200 and MATH 116 to be considered. 

Professional Phase

1st Semester
Course Units

MGMT 310A Organization Behavior and Management  
MKTG 361 Introduction to Marketing  
BCOM 314R Business Communication  
ECON 361 Intermediate Microeconomics 
FIN 360 Quantitative Financial Management  
FIN 360L Quantitative Financial Management Techniques  

Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days

 3
3
3
3
3
1
 
Total 16
2nd Semester
Course Units
ECON 332 Intermediate Macroeconomics  
OSCM 373 Basic Operations Management  
MIS 304 Using and Managing Information Systems  
ECON 453 Quantitative Methods for Economic Strategy   
300 or 400-level ECON Major Elective Course  
   
Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days		 3
3
3
3
3
 
Total 15
Summer
Use summer to gain career-related experience through internships, study abroad, or volunteering.

Professional Phase

3rd Semester
Course Units

MGMT 402 Integrating Business Fundamentals with Ethics and Law in Management  
ENTR 485 Innovating: Creating the Future 
ECON 406, 418, 431, 435, 436, 440, 443, 454, 460, 473 or 481 (select 1)  
ECON 407 Economics of Strategy

  
Attend Eller Career Expo and UA Fall Career Days

 3
3
3
3
 
Total 12
4th Semester
Course Units

300 or 400-level ECON Major Elective Course 
General Education
General Education
Minor, Electives, or remaining General Education requirements

Attend Career Showcase and UA Spring Career Days, and Graduation in May

 3
3
3
3-6
Total 12-15
Summer
Enjoy your summer and continue the job search if necessary!

Note: This is only a sample plan and requirements are subject to change and may vary based on catalog year, placement tests, AP/CLEP credit, transfer work, summer school, etc.

All students enter as Foundational Business Managements majors, and must go through a competitive and selective Professional Admission process to gain entry to the upper-division professional majors. The above plan is designed on the assumption that a student tests into College Algebra on the PPL Math Placement Exam; students who test lower than College Algebra should refer to the Five-Semester Plan and work with their academic advisor to learn how they can adjust their schedule to meet their educational goals.

* Eller Foundation Courses: You need to take these classes before you apply for admission into the professional program. Professional Admission is required before enrolling in 300- and 400-level core and major courses. Students transferring directly into the upper division who do not have a BCOM 214 equivalent completed will be required to take BCOM 315 before graduation instead.

** Business Emphasis Areas: You must take one ethics course to complete your degree. This class does not need to be completed before applying for Professional Admission.

Students can meet the Second Language requirement by demonstrating second semester proficiency through examination or taking any of a variety of second semester language courses. Each student needs to meet a minimum of 120 total credits. Students are strongly encouraged to take BNAD 100 and BNAD 200 to develop their professional knowledge and competencies required for success in the upper division. Please consult with your Advisement Report and your academic advisor.

Business Economics Cohort Schedules

View Business Economics major cohort schedules by semester:

Business Economics Sage Cohort

Sage Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
8:00 - 9:15   BCOM 314R*   BCOM 314R*
9:30 - 10:45   BCOM 314R*   BCOM 314R*
11:00 - 12:15 MKTG 361 FIN 360** MKTG 361 FIN 360**
12:30 - 1:45 MGMT 310A   MGMT 310A  
2:00 - 3:15   ECON 361   ECON 361

Business Economics Silver Cohort

Silver Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
12:30 - 1:45   FIN 360**   FIN 360**
2:00 - 3:15 MKTG 361 ECON 361  MKTG 361 ECON 361 
3:30 - 4:45 MGMT 310A BCOM 314R MGMT 310A BCOM 314R

* Students will take BCOM 314R at one but not both times.
** All first semester Business Economics students will be required to take a 50-minute FIN 360 Lab that will be held on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Business Economics Sage Cohort

Sage Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
8:00 - 9:15   OSCM 373   OSCM 373
9:30 - 10:45 ECON 453 MIS 304 ECON 453 MIS 304
11:00-12:15   ECON 332   ECON 332

Business Economics Silver Cohort

Silver Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
11:00-12:15   ECON 332   ECON 332
12:30-1:45 ECON 453   ECON 453  
2:00-3:15   OSCM 373   OSCM 373
3:30 - 4:45   MIS 304   MIS 304

Business Economics Sage Cohort 

Sage Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
11:00-12:15       ECON 407

Business Economic Silver Cohort 

Silver Cohort Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
11:00-12:15       ECON 407

 ** All third semester Business Economics students will be required to take a ENTR 485 course that will be held one day a week either Tuesday, or Thursday at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m, 3:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Additionally, students will need to take MGMT 402, which will be held fully online. 

Business Economics majors select their own courses in the final semester.

Business Economics Elective Course Options

There are more than 20 Business Economics elective courses available:

View All Undergraduate Business Economics Courses, including Electives

Business Economics Major Career Resources

Business Economics Careers

Your Business Economics major can open the door to a wide variety of careers—in government, education or business. Graduates with this degree research, analyze, plan and lead across a variety of industries.

View Business Economics Career Possibilities

Meet the Business Economics Career Coach

Eller students have a world of options in front of them—which is why a dedicated career coach is so valuable. Get professional coaching on internship and job opportunities awaiting you.

Meet THE Business Economics Career Coach