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Grand Valley's L. William Seidman College of Business.

Economics, B.A., B.S.

Economics is much more than just a business field. Students will study human behavior to explain and predict how people and organizations interact and why they do what they do. That might involve how managers can increase their profits, but it's also about societal issues like the distribution of wealth and income, health care, immigration, education, crime, poverty, drugs, and pollution.

Visit the program website for more information.

This program requires a secondary admission process.
Available as a minor.
Teaching minor offered.

Program Overview

The economics program offers you the flexibility to choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Why Study Economics at Grand Valley?

  • Economics stresses well-developed analytical skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills, which are highly demanded by employers.
  • Faculty members work closely with students as they form career goals and select courses to help achieve those goals.
  • Networking opportunities include economics career events, the student economics club, real estate groups, professional development series, and more.
  • Internships are available and apply classroom learning to authentic work experiences.
  • Campus is located in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Location & Format

All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Formats:

Coursework

After applied microeconomics and business cycles and growth, the program covers many topics including:

  • Data analytics
  • Urban and real estate economics
  • Environmental problems
  • International trade
  • Health economics
  • Emerging markets issues
  • Comparative economics
  • Markets, strategy, and government
  • Money and banking
  • Public economics and ethics
  • Sports economics
  • Economics of work and family

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

Admission Requirements

Because economics is a department in the Seidman College of Business, students must achieve a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, have completed 55 semester hours, and achieved a 2.5 or higher combined GPA in ECO 210ECO 211, and STA 215 to be admitted to the economics program. 

For More Information

Seidman College of Business

517b2b.com/seidman
50 Front Avenue SW
(616) 331-7500

Admissions and Recruitment Office

517b2b.com/admissions

 

"We have a very collegial department where professors enjoy engaging with students and maintaining relationships with alumni as they progress in their careers."

DAN GIEDEMAN, PH.D.
PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF ECONOMICS