Why Major in Economics?
Economics majors at Northwest develop analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills in preparation of evaluating the decisions made by businesses, consumers and government. The goal of this degree is to assess information and decisions in order understand the structure, operation and investigation of decisions.
In addition to small class sizes, Northwest students receive instruction from faculty who have received the Dean’s Award for Exemplary Teaching and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Classes are small and upper-level courses have an average of fewer than 10 students.
Minor in Economics
A minor in economics provides a useful background for students seeking careers in law, business, government, journalism, and teaching. The study of economics provides them with tools useful for analyzing the economic aspects of issues in these other disciplines. This minor requires the completion of 18 credit hours, 12 of which are electives.
What Majors Align Well With An Economics Minor?
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Landuk's story »
Career Opportunities
100%
placement rate
100% of students who graduated with a degree in economics obtained employment or continued their education within six months after graduation.
The following is a listing of common positions for graduates with an economics major:
- Economic analyst
- Securities analyst
- Business forecaster
- Banking and finance related field
- Market Researcher
- Economic development officer
- Analyst programmer
*Based on self-reported data in recent years.
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
New Venture Pitch Competition is designed for ambitious students and aspiring entrepreneurs to present ideas to business professionals, small business owners and potential investors. Students present their ideas to judges who in the future could represent their boss or client.
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions. Students from the business school have recently traveled and studied in China, Africa and Eastern Europe including Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic.
For more information about study abroad opportunities »
Student Organizations
Omicron Delta Epsilon is the international honor society for economic majors. To be admitted, students must have completed a minimum of 12 hours of economics with a 3.0 GPA.
Financial Management Association is a national organization with members from all majors within the Department of Business. This organization hosts speakers and takes field trips to locations related to business.
For a full list of student organizations with in the School of Business »
Internships
Although internships are not required in the economics major, they are highly encouraged to gain real-world experiences.
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Ashton Raffety |
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Megan Moore |
I spent my time at the Missouri State Capitol interning for Representative Jacob Hummel. Throughout the session, I kept track of legislation, attended committee hearings, and participated in a mock session. While the House was in session, I would sit in the side gallery and assist my representative’s staff with amendments. Towards the end of the semester, I observed session on the Senate side, and kept my supervisors updated on what they were discussing and passing. It was a regular occurrence to spend 10 or more hours a day at the Capitol. My courses at Northwest well prepared me well for this experience. I have learned a lot about people, and how we govern ourselves this semester, and it will definitely help me in my future endeavors.
I had the pleasure of interning at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. It has been very rewarding to work for the nation's central bank and know that all of the projects I have done actually have a purpose, and impact on the bank and the country as a whole. We have also had the opportunity to video conference with the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, and learn his insight on the Fed's role in the payments system, monetary policy, and the Fed in the media.The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $22 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
