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Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is a BBA in Economics degree?

The BBA in Economics is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and applied research. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyze data, make informed decisions, and solve real-world problems. With a curriculum that blends theory with practical applications, our program prepares you to thrive in a variety of professional settings and contribute to the economic well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities.

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Why earn a BBA in Economics?

Our economics program promotes critical thinking, data analytics and analysis, and instills the communication skills necessary to be a successful economist. You'll excel in a supportive learning environment where faculty encourage curiosity and value multi-disciplined students. When you graduate with a BBA in Economics, you’ll have the resume you need to make your mark on the world.

Industry-standard resources

Our classes embed empirical analysis in R and/or advanced methods in Excel to demonstrate economic effects.

A supportive environment

Our faculty are experts in their field and bring unique experiences to offer students a comprehensive education.

Industry-aligned curriculum

Our program aligns with industry trends and expectations, ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge employers seek.

State-of-the-art facilities

Courses take place in McMullen Hall. The building is designed with collaborative spaces that mimic workplace settings.

National and international business relationships

We have relationships with local, national, and international companies like Deere, Arconic, and HNI (HON) to help you land an internship.

What you’ll learn in your Economics Program

In our economics program, you’ll start with core business classes before diving into specialized areas of economics. You’ll learn to analyze, predict, and quantify economics while honing writing and communication skills employers value.

Application of trade theory to contemporary global challenges.
Understanding of the legal framework surrounding real estate analysis.
Application of economic principles to address environmental crises.
Mastery of statistical methods, economic models, and economic tools to measure phenomena, predict trends, and quantify behaviors in economics.

Building toward success

“My courses all built on each other, which allowed me to dive deeper into the subject matter as I continued in the business program. A key to being able to do this is to have professors that are willing to help you understand when you need it. They will not hand you answers, rather will provide guidance and challenge you to find it for yourself.”

-Jack Haverland ‘23 BA in Economics, Finance, and Marketing

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Explore BBA in Economics Courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
36 gen ed credits, 36 core business credits, 18 economics credits, 30 general elective credits, and 1 senior thesis.

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Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
ECON-301	International Trade	3 credits
ECON-302	Environmental Economics	3 credits
ECON-306	Econ. Development & Growth	3 credits
ECON-308	Real Estate Econ & Finance	3 credits
ECON-404	Econometrics	3 credits

The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

Full-time student living on campus

Expense	By semester	By year
Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)*	$18,189	$36,378
Housing**	$4,019	$8,038
Food***	$2,670	$5,340
Technology fee	$140	$280
Total direct charges (billable)	$25,018	$50,036

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.

How much does housing cost?

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.

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St. Ambrose University’s Economics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes institutions committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.

St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

How does SAU support economics students?

St. Ambrose University’s economics faculty offer broad expertise in a myriad of economic areas. They are passionate about molding multi-disciplined students and will encourage you to take on a second major to ensure you have every door open to you after graduation. As you prepare for life after SAU, our faculty are ready to advise and mentor you to discover the career of your dreams.

Economics faculty

James Bang, PhD

Liquan Wang, PhD

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

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Accessibility Resource Center

you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.

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Are there scholarships available for BBA in Economics?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.

Ambrose Advantage Scholarship

Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.

Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

A college education. Debt-free.

"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."

-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa

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What’s on campus for economics students?

Make connections in the business world through our Marketing and Finance Clubs. Meet marketing and finance professionals, take trips to area and regional businesses, and network at on-campus job fairs. The connections you make will boost your confidence as you search for a meaningful career.

Rise to the challenge

“My professors held me accountable and forced me to dig deep and learn something about myself that I didn’t know. This level of independent yet guided thinking is something that I’ve already experienced a handful of times during my short career.”

-Jack Haverland ‘23, BA in Economics, Finance, and Marketing

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What are the admission requirements for a BBA in Economics?

Start your economics career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BBA in Economics.

You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
You must provide an official high school transcript

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What can I do with an economics degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Economics program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Financial analyst
Economic consultant
Market research analyst
Policy analyst
Budget analyst
Risk management specialist

Potential employment settings

Research institution
Government agency
Nonprofit organization
Financial institution
Corporation
Consulting firm

Traits of a multimedia journalist

Adaptability
Analytical
Strategic thinking
Quantitative aptitude
Data interpretation
Problem-solving

Industry facts

The top earning industry for economists in 2022 was management, scientific, and technical consulting services, with median annual wages of $130,160.
The largest employer of economists in 2022 was the federal government, making up 27% of jobs.

For more information on economist employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.