Economics

Grounded in research, we radiate insights that help shape the world. Gain a deep understanding of what drives human behavior through hands-on experience in data analysis, generative AI, econometric modeling, and forecasting.

Why Economics at Valpo?

Studying economics illuminates a deep understanding of how people make decisions and what drives human behavior. At Valpo, you’ll explore how economic concepts apply within topics across disciplines, such as the environment, social justice, healthcare, and the arts.

Our students learn to shine a light on the moral and ethical dimensions of economic systems and policies. With close mentorship from faculty, students gain hands-on experience in data analysis, generative AI, econometric modeling, and forecasting. Paired with the strong foundation of Valpo’s liberal arts education, a major in economics prepares you with highly valued skills to help you pursue a career that makes a difference.

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About Our Economics Degrees

With the increasing complexity of the global economy, the job outlook for economists is expected to grow through 2033. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for economists was $115,730 in 2023.

Valpo economics graduates go on to shine in both the public and private sectors, with many continuing on to law school, master of business administration (MBA) programs, and doctorate programs in economics and related disciplines. Our alumni have worked in the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, and at banks, insurance companies, and corporations across the world.

General Information

Core Requirements

The Valparaiso University Experience – also known simply as VUE – is our University-wide general education core. Starting with year one, students of all majors take courses that encourage the growth of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for a well-rounded liberal arts background, helping you understand the world and your place in it.

Major Requirements

For Valpo’s bachelor of arts in economics, students complete 27 credit hours of economics courses in addition to the general education requirements for their bachelor’s degree. The University-wide general education core of arts and sciences strengthens skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Students majoring in Valpo’s economics program complete required coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, math, and statistics. Students also take at least 9 credits of economics electives.

Major Requirements
ECON 221	Principles of Microeconomics	3 Cr.
ECON 222	Principles of Macroeconomics	3 Cr.
ECON 321	Intermediate Microeconomic Theory	3 Cr.
ECON 322	Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory	3 Cr.
ECON 325	Econometrics	3 Cr.
ECON 499	Capstone in Economics	3 Cr.
Total:		18 Cr.

Free Electives (Note 1): The credit count for free electives varies based on 3 or 4 credit classes chosen in General Education requirements. Students must reach 124 Cr. to graduate.

One Course From the Following Options:
MATH 126	Calculus and Functions Part II	4 Cr.
MATH 131	Calculus I	4 Cr.

One Course From the Following Options:
STAT 140	General Statistics	3 Cr.
STAT 240	Statistical Analysis	3 Cr.
PSY 201	Statistical Methods	3 Cr.
BUS 205	Business Statistics	3 Cr.

Note: Credit for ECON 221 and 222 may be earned through the College-Level Examination Program subject examination in introductory economics. ECON 136 and ECON 486 will not count toward fulfilling the minimum major or minor requirements.

Minor Requirements

General Economics Minor

Credit for ECON 221 and 222 may be earned through the College Level Examination Program subject examination in introductory economics. ECON 136 and ECON 486 will not count toward fulfilling the minimum major or minor requirements.

Required Courses

ECON 221	Principles of Economics-Micro	3 credits
ECON 222	Principles of Economics-Macro	3 credits
One course from the following options: ECON 321 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory ECON 322 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory ECON 325 Econometrics	3 credits
Nine credits of ECON electives, including at least one ECON course at the 300 level or above	9 credits
Total	18 credits
Additional Requirements
MATH 131	Calculus I	4 credits

Careers in Economics

Recent Alumni Placements

An economics degree is excellent preparation for a variety of possible careers. Many Valpo economics graduates have continued on to law school, MBA programs, and Ph.D. programs in economics and related disciplines.

Economics graduates have also obtained positions in the public and the private sector. Recent alumni placements upon graduation include:

Meshach Melton ’24, Quality Control Associate, Revolution Field Strategies
Michael Hazboun ’23, Doctorate student in Industrial-Organization, University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Noor Azmat ’23, Administrative Contracts Coordinator, Hilton Grand Vacations
Betsy Martins ’23, Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan
Derek Eidson ’22 – Credit Analyst, Mission Bank
Drew Alexander ’21 — Financial Analyst, Wells Fargo
Robert Fortmeyer ’21 — J.D. Candidate, Regent University School of Law
Bryan Garmon ’21 — Associate Consultant, Aon
Lucas Strothoff ’21 — Data Analytics Coordinator, Assurance
Alejandra Alvarez ’20 — J.D. Candidate, New England School of Law
Adali Johnson ’20 — Senior Research Assistant, Monetary and Financial Market Analysis at the Federal Reserve Board
Felipe Alzate’19 – Junior Actuary, Addactis
Gowan Baldwin’19 – Private Equity Analyst
Stephanie Hedges ’19 — Business Operations Analyst at Red Ventures
Jonathan Metcalfe’19 – Analyst, Underwriting and Analytics at Ardeo Education Solutions
Joshua Mullens’ 19 – Financial Services Tax Associate, Price Waterhouse Coopers
Caroline Pratt’19 – English Second Language Teacher, Teach Thailand Corps
Michael Wheeler’19- Insurance Sales Representative, State Farm Insurance
Mordecai Benson’ 18 – Data Analyst, Azavar Technologies
Calvin Duong’ 18 – Profitability Analyst, BCU
Alexandra Pettenuzzo’ 18 – Data/Billing Analyst, Charter Communications
Megan Salrin’ 18 – Legislative Assistant, US House of Representatives
Aaron Cartwright’ 17 – Operations Coordinator, United States Senate
Amber Haack’ 17 – Credit Analyst, Horizon Bank
Jaelin Hayden’17 – Business Development Associate, Barbaricum
Jacob Schoon’ 17 – Sales Manager, Hobson Chevrolet Buick GMC
Iveren Akaagerger’ 16 – CEO, Siman Catering
Hannah Dorman’ 16 Asghari – Senior Healthcare Data Analyst, UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust
Kurtis Michelfelder, 16 – Economist, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Claire Urness’16- Marketing Coordinator, vAut0
Justin Wicker’ 16 – Software Engineer, Etix
Jessica Richardson’ ’15 Frankel – Quantitative Consultant, All State
Alex Williams’ 15 – Asset Manager, White Lodging Services
Paul Yox, ’15 – Fixed Income Research Specialist, Rocaton Investment Advisors

Employers of graduates from our Economics program include:

BMO Harris Bank
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Charter Communications
City of San Jose, California
ContiTech USA
Gary Community School Corporation
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance
General Motors
Great American Insurance Company
H.I.G. Capital
Mastercard
Missouri Department of Transportation & Patrol Employees Retirement System
United Health Group
UBS
Ventas, Inc.
Wabash College
Wisconsin Department of Revenue

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Program Rankings & Highlights

100%

of Valpo economics graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.

Mentors

Students participate in mentored research and work with diversely trained professors.

Graduate Program

Early entry into our master’s of science in international economics and finance program.

College of Arts and Sciences

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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