Economics Degree

Willamette’s Economics Majors are Set Up for Success

At Willamette University, we’re known for offering an exceptional economics program to prepare you for the future. Our undergraduate economics program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of economics. As an economics major at Willamette, you'll have the opportunity to delve into critical social issues that impact our global society. Through a wide range of elective courses, you'll explore topics such as environmental quality, international concerns, urban and regional issues, poverty, and inflation.

Our expert faculty members provide one-on-one mentoring, guiding you through your academic journey and ensuring that you gain a deep understanding of these complex issues. Willamette University is focused on experiential learning, which means that in addition to classroom learning, we believe in the importance of practical experience. 

We offer economics internships designed to help you connect your classroom knowledge with real-world opportunities. You can choose from internship opportunities in the Legislative Revenue Office, Office of Economic Analysis, Department of Forestry and other state agencies near campus. You can also explore internships in the private sector to ensure you’re getting the experience you desire. We're here to prepare you for the job market, which is why we focus on experiential learning and helping you apply your education to real-life experiences.

With a degree in economics from Willamette University, you'll be well-prepared for a wide range of postgraduate educational and career opportunities. Our rigorous curriculum and comprehensive coursework will provide you with a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking skills.

Economic Courses at Willamette University

The goal of becoming an Economics major or Economics minor at Willamette University is to recognize, understand, assess, construct, and communicate economic arguments. The required coursework is designed to prepare students for a future in economics, business, public administration, and law. If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced degree in economics, we suggest taking more math classes to help prepare you for graduate school. Willamette does require specific courses but also offers an approved electives list to help you follow your educational interests.

When it comes to selecting the best college for economics majors, Willamette University stands out as a top choice. Our economics program is a great option, thanks to our dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, internship opportunities, and commitment to student success. Our small class sizes ensure that you receive personalized attention and ample opportunities for engaging in discussions and collaborative projects. Additionally, our strong alumni network includes leaders in business, law, medicine, social work, politics, education, finance, and public administration.

Economics vs Business Major

At Willamette University, you don’t have to declare a major or minor right away. This allows you to experience different programs to see what interests you the most. Can’t decide between majoring in economics or business? One difference between the two is that pursuing a business major results in a Bachelor of Science whereas economics majors that graduate will have a Bachelor of Arts degree. Our business degree is more generalized, allowing you to explore all facets of business from accounting and marketing to finance and operations. Our economics degree focuses on microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and other courses that are more specific.

If you’re passionate about both economics and business, you can also consider pursuing a major in one program and a minor in the other. And through our economics internship program, you can get more in-depth knowledge to prepare you for an advanced degree.

Economics Minor Available

Interested in other subjects but not ready to leave behind a degree in economics? We offer an economics minor to help you expand your knowledge while still pursuing other subject matters. Minoring in economics allows you to take classes like ECON 132 and ECON 363, while still investing time in statistics and other relevant subjects. You can always chat with a Willamette advisor about your program path to learn if an economics minor is right for your career path or educational goals.

Opportunities at Willamette for Economics Students

Whether you’re an economics major or an economics minor, you can still study abroad! We even have a list of programs to consider if you want to enhance and deepen your economics knowledge from another university or location. Willamette also offers plenty of awards and honors to help make your educational pursuit more affordable. 

Ready to get started? Apply directly to Willamette University to broaden your knowledge as an economics major or an economics minor today.

Apply to Study Economics