Economics

Undergraduate | Bachelor of Arts
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts
Overview
See firsthand how economics impacts everything from an individual like you to the world as a whole with Xavier's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics.

Our curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in economic theory while fostering a deep understanding of real-world applications. With a focus on ethical decision-making and social responsibility, Xavier's economics program prepares you to become a skilled economist and a force for positive change in the world.

Curriculum

Fall

  • ECON 200 - Microeconomic Principles............ 3cr.
  • Second Language Elective............ 3cr.
  • First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
  • PHIL 100 - Ethics as Intro to Philosophy ............ 3cr.
  • ENGL 115 - Rhetoric............ 3cr.

Spring

  • ECON 201 - Macroeconomic Principles............ 3cr.
  • ENGL 205 - Literature & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
  • Theology 111 - Ignatian Imagination............ 3cr.
  • Second Language Elective............ 3cr.
  • MATH 140 (or 150 or 170) Calculus I............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • BAIS 210 - Quantitative Methods............ 3cr.
  • Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
  • Solidarity and Kinship Flag............ 3cr.
  • ECON 305 - Microeconomic Analysis............ 3cr.

Spring

  • BAIS 211 - Intro to Business Analytics............ 3cr.
  • Science Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
  • ECON 306 - Macroeconomic Analysis............ 3cr.

Fall

  • ECON 307 - Empirical Analysis In Economic............ 3cr.
  • Economics Elective............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Economics Elective............ 3cr.
  • Oral Intensive Flag............ 3cr.
  • Humanities Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Writing Intensive Flag............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Fall

  • ECON 494 - Capstone Experience in Economics (either Fall or Spring)............ 3cr.
  • Economics Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • ECON 494 - Capstone Experience in Economics (either Fall or Spring)............ 3cr.
  • Economics Elective............ 3cr.
  • Economics Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the economics major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023).

Recent Alumni Employers 

51Anthem, Inc.Bureau of Labor StatisticsS. BankFidelity InvestmentsFifth Third BankKrogerLiberty MutualMerrill LynchNielsen and S. Census Bureau

Professional Development

Our Career Development Office enriches your professional development and advances your long-term goals. From individual career counseling sessions to professional development workshops to an employer database, you have access to valuable resources to help you flourish.

Sample Courses

Microeconomic Principles (ECON 200) 

Discover the fundamentals of economics. Learn about the principles that govern resource allocation and the economic behavior of consumers, producers, and resource owners.

Macroeconomic Analysis (ECON 306) 

 Explore the complexities of macroeconomics. Understand macroeconomic models, business cycle theory, and current controversies.

Empirical Analysis in Economic Models (ECON 307)

Master the art of economic research. Learn how to construct and test economic models using empirical methods. Focus on linear regression techniques and address the challenges of estimating economic relationships.

Applied Research Methods in Economics (ECON 480)

Conduct your own original research project. Learn how to choose a research topic, formulate hypotheses, gather and analyze data and write a comprehensive capstone paper.

Clubs

Economics Association

The Economics Club is an active and fun way to stay connected to economics and learn about job opportunities in the field. Members take field trips to firms in the area and have monthly speakers from the Economics Department Advisory Board.

Business Leaders for Tomorrow 

 Explore business processes firsthand and network with various business leaders in Cincinnati and beyond. Our past events have included trips to Silicon Valley and Chicago, job shadowing days and hearing from guest lecturers.

Minorities in Business

 I.B’s mission is to create a vibrant and supportive community that fuels our members' professional growth. We aim to position Xavier as a target school for Fortune 500 diversity recruitment programs, supporting the long-term success of our business community.

11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
98%
Student Success Rate

Program Features

Develop research expertise

Work closely with a faculty member to examine an economic issue of your choice and use relevant data to conduct and present your research.

Pursue your unique interests

We offer both a B.S. and a B.A. in Economics, making it easy to explore options to double major, minor or get a certificate in other subject areas.

Mentorships that shape your future

Connect with expert professionals mentorship program. Gain skills and networking experience for personal and professional success.

Located in a city of opportunity

Cincinnati provides a rich environment for you to network with professionals, gain practical experience through internships and explore various career paths.

Student Spotlight
Craig Berry (Economics)

Hear what Craig loves most about the Xavier community, living in Cincinnati and being a student in the economics major.

Start tour
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FAQ

Gain a well-rounded business education and prepare for a diverse range of career paths by earning your BA in Economics at Xavier. Discover more.

While both degrees focus on economics, there are some key differences between the BA in Economics and the BSBA in Economics at Xavier University:

BA in Economics

  • Broader focus: This degree offers a more general education in economics, with a focus on understanding economic theory and its applications.
  • Curriculum: It primarily consists of economics courses, with some flexibility for electives in other fields.
  • Career paths: Graduates can pursue careers in research, academia, economic consulting, government agencies, or international organizations.

BSBA in Economics

  • Business-oriented: This degree is designed for students who want to apply economic principles to business practices.
  • Curriculum: It includes core business courses like accounting, finance and marketing, in addition to economics courses.
  • Career paths: Graduates often pursue careers in business analysis, financial analysis, consulting, or positions in financial institutions.

A degree in economics can prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

  • Treasury management: Oversee financial operations and risk management.
  • Assistant trader: Assist traders in buying and selling securities.
  • 401K analyst: Analyze retirement plans and investment options.
  • Statistician: Use statistical methods to analyze data and make informed decisions.
  • Product Analyst: Analyze product performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Underwriting analyst: Assess risk and determine insurance premiums.
  • Research Associate: Conduct research and analysis on economic or financial topics.
  • Purchasing Buyer: Source and purchase goods and services for an organization.
  • Cost Analyst: Analyze costs and identify opportunities for savings.
  • Economic Analyst: Use data and analysis to inform decision-making in various fields.

Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers BA Economics students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant. Learn more about the University Scholars Honors Program.

Economics Program at Xavier University

Economics is an academic major with a long and proud tradition at Xavier University. Economics majors analyze such topics as optimal decision-making, market efficiency, profit maximization, cost-benefit analysis, inflation, unemployment, international trade, financial markets, forces of globalization, and governmental economic activity. The program has proven useful to people who have moved into positions in many of the functional areas of business and government. It is also excellent training for graduate study in business, in law, and in economics itself. The department also offers a BSBA in Economics through the Williams College of Business.

Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."