Economics (BA)
Program Details
Economics is the study of how choices and decisions are made when resources are limited. It’s a broad field that helps explain the world around us, from the inner workings of large institutions to individual human behaviors.
As an economics major in the College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll look at real-world problems through an economic lens and learn how to find solutions that make economies more productive and sustainable. You’ll also be conducting original research during your senior capstone course, giving you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned about economic theory and analysis to a topic of your choice.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Concentrations
Mathematics (30 additional credit hours)
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Economics major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
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.
- Diversity 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.
Economics Courses
Sample courses within the economics (BA) major:
- Microeconomic Principles (Econ 200) - This course covers the foundational principles that govern the efficient allocation of scarce resources within the nation. Delve into the economic behaviors of consumers, producers and resource owners to gain a comprehensive understanding of microeconomic theory.
- Macroeconomic Analysis (Econ 306) - An overview of the theoretical foundations of macroeconomic models, integrating both real and monetary sectors within both open and closed economies. This course also covers contemporary controversies in macroeconomic theory, with a focus on business cycle theory to understand fluctuations in economic activity.
- Empirical Analysis In Economic Models (ECON 307) - Explore the construction and testing of economic models through empirical methods. Focus on utilizing linear regression techniques, addressing unique challenges in estimating economic relationships and interpreting findings to enhance understanding and application in economic analysis.
- Applied Research Methods in Economics (ECON 480) - This course offers an in-depth exploration of research design in applied microeconomics. Students will build upon their knowledge from econometrics, expanding their understanding to encompass a range of advanced empirical techniques used by economists to uncover causal effects—the ultimate goal of research in the field.
- Capstone Experience in Economics (Econ 494) - This course is designed to guide students through the process of conducting an original research project using economic theory and data analysis. Students will learn to select suitable research topics, formulate hypotheses grounded in economic theory, situate their work within existing literature, gather and analyze data, and ultimately produce their capstone project.
Economics Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the economics (BA) major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Economist, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Policy Analyst, Pricing Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Risk Analyst, Strategy Consultant, Tax Consultant, Trade Analyst, Treasury Analyst, Wealth Manager
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Economics Clubs
- Economics Association- Xavier students in the Economics Student Club learn about employment opportunities, take trips to area firms and host speakers while making a positive difference in the community. They also cultivate opportunities to meet and network with business leaders in Cincinnati, which can lead to employment opportunities.
- Business Leaders for Tomorrow- Members of this student organization explore business processes firsthand by networking with and learning from various business leaders in Cincinnati and beyond. Events from past years have included trips to Silicon Valley and Chigaco, job shadowing days and guest lecturers.
- Mathematics Club- The purpose of the Xavier University Mathematics Club is to promote the interest of mathematics at Xavier University and to aid mathematics students or anyone with an interest in math to promote an interaction among math undergraduates, graduates, and faculty.
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Gain Expertise in a Curriculum Focused on Economic Research
Through research, you'll learn to identify and tackle complex economic problems. Whether it's exploring the causes of income inequality, analyzing the effects of government policies or forecasting market trends, conducting research equips you with the tools to address real-world economic challenges.
Kickstart Your Economist Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. Studying economics in Cincinnati opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in these sectors, as well as in government agencies, research institutions and non-profit organizations.
Experience a Transformative Education
At a Jesuit university, you won't just crunch numbers; you'll explore the ethical implications of economic decisions. With a focus on social justice and ethical leadership, you'll learn to apply economic theories and principles in a way that promotes the common good and addresses social inequalities
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming 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.
Economics Major 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."