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.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes. 99 percent of our students, including those in the economics major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022).
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.
Sample Courses
Xavier is known for providing an education that's both challenging and personal. Here are some courses that are part of the Economics BA major at Xavier:
Microeconomic Principles (Econ 200) - Principles governing the efficient allocation of the nation's scarce resources. Economic behavior of consumers, producers, and resource owners.
Macroeconomic Analysis (Econ 306) - Theoretical foundations of macro models integrating real and monetary sectors in both open and closed economies. Controversies in modern macro theory, with emphasis on business cycle theory.
Applied Research Methods in Economics (ECON 480) - This course will provide an opportunity to learn about research design in applied microeconomics. Students will extend the theory they learn in their econometrics course to a wide variety of advanced empirical techniques that economists employ in pursuit of the holy grail of research—the causal effect.
Capstone Experience in Economics (Econ 494) - The primary aim of the course is to use economic theory and data analysis to conduct an original research project. In this course, students will learn how to decide on an appropriate research topic, formulate hypotheses using economic theory, fit the topic into a broader literature, collect and analyze data and write the capstone itself.
Career Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the economics major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022).
Top Jobs: National Account Manager, Customer Strategy and Activation Associate, Curriculum Engineer, Compliance Officer, Data Scientist, and Research Analyst
Top Companies: SC Johnson, 8451, Databricks, Fifth Third Bank, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Other Outcomes include law school, master programs and Ph.D. programs
Student Clubs
The following clubs are popular choices for students in the economics major.
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.
Take the Next Step
Cincinnati: A City of Opportunity
Cincinnati, Ohio features some of the largest companies in the world, which means students in the economics major have countless opportunities for careers, internships and mentorships at places like Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Macy’s, Fifth Third Bancorp, American Financial and Western & Southern Financial group. The city is ranked the #1 Best City for College Graduates (smartasset.com) and the #15 Best Place to Start a Career (WalletHub).
What is Jesuit Education?
A Xavier education is more than your typical college experience. Drawing on a Jesuit Catholic educational model 400 years in the making, students in the economics major get the personal attention and support they need to succeed. The result is an education that’s as encouraging as it is challenging, and as enriching as it is demanding.
Xavier Rankings and Recognitions
Xavier University has been ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America." Explore how Xavier’s top-ranked academic programs continue to distinguish themselves among the nation’s best.
Alumni Spotlight: Akosua Addo
For alumna Akosua Addo, starting at Xavier without declaring her major was key in helping her establish a successful business career in Chicago.
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."