Economics program
Learn to think like an economist. Your career possibilities and growth potential will expand.
An economics degree provides students with the ability to think clearly and analyze problems. This prepares them for diverse careers — in and outside of the business world — such as law, politics, government, education, consulting, advising, and international relations.
Economics and these related occupations are expected to experience above average employment and wage growth over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Economics is an attractive major for those who are ambitious and willing to work hard as courses are rigorous and require significant writing and analytical reasoning skills. The payoff for that work can be huge. UW-La Crosse economics graduates have a reputation for being bright, clear-thinking, creative, hardworking and independent people who make significant contributions in their careers.
Economics definition
Economics is a dynamic social science that explores how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions and allocate resources. It equips students with analytical skills to understand complex issues like inflation, unemployment, and policy development.
"The economics program at UWL gave me the analytical and professional skills needed to succeed in business. The campus is gorgeous, the community is welcoming and the academic faculty truly care about student's individual success."
Tom Martin
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Jobs for economics majors
Economics majors build successful careers in diverse fields, including banking and finance, consulting, international business, law, government, non-profits, and academia.
Companies hire economists for a variety of roles requiring data analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. For example, they help multinational corporations forecast demand and expand global sales, assist banks and investment firms in assessing financial risks and market trends, and support tech companies in optimizing pricing models and user engagement. Economists also play a key role in government agencies, evaluating policies and guiding economic forecasts, while retail and e-commerce firms rely on their expertise to refine pricing strategies and streamline supply chains.
Economics majors also enjoy strong earning potential. The median starting salary is approximately $76,500 per year, with significant growth over time. By mid-career, median earnings reach around $164,400 (AEA Salary Data).
Economics degree jobs
Financial analyst – Evaluate financial data and trends to guide investment decisions.
Market research analyst – Analyze market conditions to assess demand for products or services.
Credit analyst – Assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses.
Investment Analyst – Research market trends and provide investment recommendations.
Supply chain analyst – Optimize logistics, inventory, and operations for efficiency.
Policy analyst – Research and evaluate economic policies and their impact.
Economic Consultant – Provide insights on economic trends and policies.
Financial manager – Oversee an organization's financial planning and strategy.
Management Consultant – Advise organizations on improving efficiency and profitability.
Personal financial advisor – Help individuals manage investments and financial planning.
What distinguishes UWL's economics program?
Instructors include multi media presentations and small cooperative learning groups to develop students’ writing, oral communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Many courses feature computer tutorials and simulation games to enhance learning. Computers are used as a search tool and applied to common business and economic problems in most classes.
Faculty members are dedicated teachers, who are concerned about and committed to improving student learning. The faculty regularly develop tools to measure student learning and then create plans to improve learning and continually assess it.
The Economics Department has a history of involving undergraduate students in research. And faculty are actively involved in pursuing new research. Over the last five years, the economics department faculty have collectively published more than 60 papers in peer-review academic journals.
Upper level economics students with an exemplary academic record are invited to become department tutors for freshman economics courses.The position provides prestige, additional income and valuable experience that is attractive in the job market.
Three annual merit scholarships are offered exclusively for economics students: the David M. Cole Scholarship, the Barry Clark Award ,and the Maurice O. Graff Scholarship. Scholarships are available in amounts up to $2,500.
Electives allow students to pursue an area of specific interest. In response to the increases in globalization of production and trade, many electives contain significant international content. Other electives focus on the application of economic analysis to business decisions, sports management, the health industry, the entertainment industry, public policy, environmental problems, and the labor market. For students interested in consulting, statistical analysis is emphasized in several courses.
An economics degree provides excellent training for a career in fields such as law, politics ,government, education, consulting, advising, and international relations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, Occupational Projections and Training Data 2019-2020, economics and the related occupations described here are expected to experience above average employment and wage growth over the next ten years. In 2020, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) rated the economists as having a bright outlook, signaling an expectation of rapid growth and demand.
Students can major or minor in economics through three different UWL colleges: the College of Business Administration, College of Liberal Studies, and College of Science and Health. Regardless of the college of origin, economics majors are required to take five courses: Microeconomics and Public Policy, Global Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis, Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis, and Introduction to Econometrics. The economics minor only requires two courses: Microeconomic and Public Policy and Global Macroeconomics. The remaining credits to earn the minor can be selected from the department’s upper-division offerings.
The Economics Honors Program provides high-achieving students the opportunity to conduct independent research under faculty mentorship while earning credit through ECO 499 Independent Study (1-3 credits). Students develop a research question, collect and analyze economic data, and apply quantitative methods to explore their topic. The program culminates in an honors thesis and a presentation to faculty and peers. This experience strengthens analytical skills and research expertise, preparing students for graduate studies or careers in economics, finance, and policy.
Sample courses
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