Business Economics | Ohio University

Develop core skills and learn to effectively analyze economics.

The business economics major develops core skills to analyze business economics phenomenon and relationships. The major also studies the collective behavior of businesses and industries, and governments and countries. The major emphasizes logical thought used in problem-solving, observation and inference from data, and presenting ideas in writing and speech. The major includes the study of microeconomics and macroeconomics, classes in economic fields such as labor economics, managerial economics or energy economics, and the study of statistical analysis.

Students that major in business economics will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA).

Internships and Job Placement

75% of our 2021 business economics graduates experienced positive outcomes such as employment or continuing education within six months after commencement. Many students have even accepted offers during their senior year.

Our Career & Student Success Center is onsite in Copeland Hall, ready to help you understand how to use good career marketing strategies, from your freshman year. We’re ready to help you find the perfect internship or job. In addition to career fairs, and College Placement Champions, you’ll have access to BOBCAT CareerLink, a web-based system where employers post positions, review resumes, and connect with candidates. Plus, participate in workshops, seminars, and even one-on-one coaching to make sure you’re presenting yourself the right way and achieving your career goals.

Exterior of Copeland Hall, home of Ohio University's College of Business

Business Economics Major Courses

View the Business Economics Major page in OHIO's Undergraduate Catalog to see a complete list of requirements.

Required Business Economics Courses

ECON 3040 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
ECON 4850 - Economic Methodology

Economics Electives

Choose two of the following courses:

ECON 2130 - Current Economic Problems
ECON 3000 - Mathematics for Economists
ECON 3020 - Games and Economic Behavior
ECON 3080 - Behavioral Economics
ECON 3120 - Economics of Poverty
ECON 3130 - Economics of the Environment
ECON 3140 - Natural Resource Economics
ECON 3150 - Economics of Health Care
ECON 3160 - Economics and the Law
ECON 3200 - Labor Economics
ECON 3220 - Economics of Human Resources
ECON 3320 - Industrial Organization
ECON 3340 - Economics of Antitrust
ECON 3350 - Economics of Energy
ECON 3370 - Economics of Regulation
ECON 3400 - International Trade
ECON 3410 - International Monetary Systems
ECON 3430 - Financial Economics
ECON 3500 - Development Economics
ECON 3510 - Agricultural Development
ECON 3520 - Economic History of the United States
ECON 3530 - European Economic History
ECON 3600 - Money and Banking
ECON 3710 - Cost Benefit Analysis
ECON 4060 - Monetary Theory and Policy
ECON 4250 - Government and Economic Policy
ECON 4300 - Public Finance

Economics Option

Choose one of the following:

ECON 3030 - Intermediate Microeconomics
ECON 3050 - Managerial Economics

Potential Careers

The study of business economics is diverse and analytical. The discipline of economics coupled with a foundation in business provides a solid background for many career paths. Whether you pursue an advanced degree in business, law, or economics, or combine the major with another to prepare you for a different career path, you’ll have an understanding of how business, industries, governments, and countries interrelate to prepare you for an entry level position as a business analyst, financial analyst, market researcher, or public policy researcher. With an advanced degree, you would be prepared to become an economist.

Career Spotlight

Issa Braithwaite

Senior Corporate Associate at PNC

Issa graduated from the Ohio University College of Business in 2007 with a dual degree in Business Economics and Finance. During his time at the College, Issa was able to intern with Bayer Pharmaceuticals as a legislative intern, participated in various community volunteer programs, and was a member of the Academic All-MAC Team.

Since graduating in 2011, Issa has been working at PNC in Cleveland, Ohio in roles of increasing responsibility. Today he is a senior corporate banking associate working with clients to provide flexible and creative financing solutions designed to meet their short and long-term capital needs.

Student Organizations

Alpha Kappa Psi

Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest fraternity in the nation. Alpha Kappa Psi is open to all business majors and minors interested in professional development as well as the social aspects of a fraternity.

Black Student Business Caucus

Black Student Business Caucus was established in 1988. Its purpose is to introduce students to the issues of excellence and diversity as well as techniques necessary for survival in the corporate arena.

Christian Business Leaders

The purpose of Christian Business Leaders is to equip business students with the Biblical foundation necessary to be a strong Christian leader in the College of Business and the business world.

Connect

Connect was created in the spring of 2002 by a group of student leaders who saw a void in College of Business student-alumni interaction.

Delta Sigma Pi

This professional business fraternity is designed to foster the study of business and encourage professionalism, scholarship and social activity among members. The Alpha Omicron Chapter was founded in 1925, making Delta Sigma Pi the oldest professional business fraternity on the Ohio University campus.

Ohio Management Group

The Ohio Management Group (OMG) is dedicated to providing members with the tools to succeed at Ohio University and after graduation through weekly professional speakers, professional development and more.

Ohio University Consulting Group

OUCG is a professional organization designed to cater to students looking to gain a hands-on experience by working with real businesses on real problems. Students from all backgrounds and majors (including non-COB) are accepted.

Phi Chi Theta

The purpose of Phi Chi Theta is to promote the cause of higher business education and training for all individuals; to foster high ideals for everyone pursuing a career in business; to encourage fraternity and cooperation among people preparing for such careers; and to stimulate the spirit of sacrifice and unselfish devotion to the attainment of such ends.

Women in Business

OHIO Women in Business (OWIB) provides outstanding support, development, and sense of community to women interested in pursuing careers in business. OWIB develops members through monthly guest speakers and educational workshops. For more information on how to get involved, contact Liz Doyle at ed962710@ohio.edu.

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Business Economics Faculty

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