Economics
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • Hybrid • 120 Credits
Economists explore how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies allocate limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs.
Overview
The economics program at Grand Valley State University offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to go beyond traditional business studies, focusing on human behavior and societal issues such as wealth distribution, healthcare, and environmental problems. Students develop strong analytical skills and learn to explain and predict how people and organizations interact, preparing them for diverse career paths in business, government, and non-profit sectors.
You will take courses that cover essential topics like macroeconomics, microeconomics, data analytics, and international trade. Advanced courses and electives allow you to explore specialized areas like urban and real estate economics, health economics, and environmental problems. The curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for real-world challenges through experiential learning opportunities and internships.
Pursuing a major in economics at Grand Valley State University emphasizes analytical skills and effective communication, making graduates highly sought after by employers. You will work closely with experienced faculty to pursue networking opportunities and internships that provide valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, the program's location in downtown Grand Rapids offers a vibrant business environment, enhancing your educational and professional experiences.
Admission Information
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 have achieved a 2.5 or higher combined GPA in ECO 210, ECO 211, and STA 215 to be admitted to the economics program.
Seidman College of Business
gvsu.edu/seidman
50 Front
Avenue SW
(616) 331-7500
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,864.41 | 10% |
| $ 61,208.05 | 25% |
| $ 77,598.98 | 50% |
| $102,762.02 | 75% |
| $137,758.40 | 90% |
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,772.25 | 10% |
| $ 60,675.26 | 25% |
| $104,960.44 | 50% |
| $203,630.26 | 75% |
| $288,057.26 | 90% |
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,176.07 | 10% |
| $ 48,684.03 | 25% |
| $ 67,116.51 | 50% |
| $ 95,733.13 | 75% |
| $129,831.86 | 90% |
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,730.97 | 10% |
| $ 63,434.16 | 25% |
| $ 89,701.43 | 50% |
| $138,045.84 | 75% |
| $217,150.33 | 90% |
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 61,337.58 | 10% |
| $ 76,350.39 | 25% |
| $ 97,402.17 | 50% |
| $138,494.59 | 75% |
| $243,842.69 | 90% |
94%
Graduates Employed
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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