Choosing between an economics major and a business major depends on your interests, career goals, and preferred learning style.
Economics focuses on how societies allocate resources, make decisions, and address issues, emphasizing abstract models, data analysis, and critical thinking. It will help you develop strong problem-solving skills and a grasp of economic principles. Career options for graduates include roles such as economists, financial analysts, policy advisors, and market researchers, often involving policy-making.
On the other hand, a business major encompasses various aspects of running and managing organizations, including finance, marketing, management, and operations. Business helps you develop practical business skills such as management, planning, marketing, financial review, and organizational behavior. Business administration graduates can pursue careers in corporate management, marketing, finance, and consulting.
If you are interested in broader issues, research, or policy-making, economics might be the better fit. If you prefer learning about running businesses, management, or marketing, a business major might be more suitable.
You can also consider a double major. Willamette offers a path to major or minor in either program.