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The Department of Economics and Decision Sciences

Economics prepares students to identify and develop solutions for problems confronting businesses, financial firms, non-profit organizations, and government.

Major topic areas include money and banking, international trade, and financial economics. The flexibility of a degree in Economics allows students to pursue and develop their knowledge and skills in one of many possible specialties. Our students are well prepared to pursue many different career objectives over their lifetime, and remain competitive in a dynamic field. Salaries are consistently among the highest of any undergraduate major both in terms of starting and mid-career salaries.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Business in Economics

The Bachelor of Business in Economics, available in the College of Business and Technology, is a comprehensive program to prepare students for the business world. A minor is optional.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. A minor is required. Students majoring in economics can minor in decision sciences, political science, finance, or other suitable areas.

Minor in Business Analytics

The minor in business analytics provides quantitative tools and techniques to solve complex business problems.

Minor in Economics

The minor in economics complements any comprehensive or non-comprehensive major.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Economics

The M.A. in Economics at Western Illinois University is a specialized degree program that prepares students for various positions in business and government, or teaching positions in two-year colleges.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business Analytics

New for the Fall 2014 semester, the post-baccalaureate certificate program in Business Analytics is offered to graduate level students who are interested in the field of analytics.

Economics: "Why my major matters"

By: Sarah Blaase '14 MA '13 BB Economics and
Sloane Levin '14 BB in Economics and Finance
(from Western Courier, 28 September 2012)

"Economics is interesting, plain and simple. Why do we, as consumers, buy certain products? Why does the government enact certain policies or decide to raise taxes? Questions like these demonstrate why economics is all about the study of choice. We chose to major in economics because the job opportunities are seemingly endless.

Career options for economics majors vary with lucrative opportunities in finance and banking, health care, government agencies, sales and marketing, and even the sports world has a place for economics.

Economics is not only important for our careers, but on a personal level as well. Having a strong understanding of the subject will help us become financially smarter, better consumers and more informed voters. The logic and analytical skills developed throughout the undergraduate experience are also great preparation for graduate school.

Lastly, economics is fun. Trust us and read "Freakonomics," or watch "Moneyball." As mentioned, economics provides the necessary skills to prepare one for success in graduate school or the job market. Some of the most successful businessmen like Warren Buffet and Sam Walton had degrees in economics.

Economics will simply help you better understand how the world works. Western Illinois University has a great economics department, and we encourage all students to take an economics course or attend an Economics Student Association (ESA) meeting to find out more information.