Prepare for fast-growing careers in our economics program.

Are you fascinated by economics systems both big and small? Want to dive deeper into the connections between economics and human behavior? The bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Missouri–St. Louis will prepare you to apply analytical skills to a wide range of problems facing society.

As you earn your bachelor’s degree in economics at UMSL, you’ll learn to use basic statistical methods and statistical software to interpret and analyze economic data and relationships while building a historical perspective of the U.S. economy and its key institutions.

Thanks to our balanced combination of theory and hands-on learning, we’re nationally renowned for the expertise of our graduates. In fact, 94 percent of our economics majors find jobs within one year of graduating, and 70 percent find jobs within three months!

A bachelor’s degree in economics designed for you

What can you do with an economics degree from UMSL? The answer is simple: a lot! The analytical skills you’ll accrue when you major in economics at UMSL can apply to a huge range of jobs. To help you prepare for these jobs for economics majors, we offer both BA and BS programs in economics so you can tailor your education experience to your career goals.

Accelerated Program

The accelerated program is a unique dual degree program that provides a pathway for students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Economics with fewer total credit hours than would be required to complete each degree independently. Once all requirements have been met, students will be awarded both a BS and an MA and are able to enter the job market with a competitive edge.

Program type:

Major, BA or BS

Format:

On-Campus

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Why major in economics at UMSL?

With a 94 percent job placement rate within one year of graduation, our economics majors stand out both on the job market and on the job thanks to:

  • Real-world experience. Prepare for a variety of jobs for economics majors even before graduating with internship and summer opportunities at prestigious organizations, including Boeing, Edward Jones and the Department of Agriculture.
  • Experienced faculty. Thanks to small class sizes, when you major in economics you’ll have many chances to work closely with distinguished faculty mentors who specialize in topics such as energy economics, environmental economics, international economics, monetary policy, labor economics, and econometrics.
  • Affordability. In addition to being ranked as the most affordable college in Missouri, we also offer several scholarships and grants to help economics majors like you earn their degree.


What can you do with an economics degree?

When you major in economics at UMSL, you’ll have the experience, skills and knowledge to excel in exciting, fast-paced jobs for economics majors. You will also open the door to high salaries, great job security and endless growth opportunities. Employment for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in economics is predicted to grow by up to 3 percent over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates with an economics degree earn an average salary of $76,540, significantly higher than the national average.

Past economics majors at UMSL have gone on to work at internationally recognized companies and organizations, including Centene, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, MasterCard, Wells Fargo and many more.

115,730

Median annual salary

6

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities



  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Demand Planner
  • Economist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Lawyer
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Policy Analyst

 

Plan of study

BS Option

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

BA Option

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an economics major:

  • National Association for Business Economics
  • WIE - Women in Economics
  • Student Government Association
  • Student Activity Budget Committee
  • Students of the University of Missouri

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

College of Arts and Sciences

UMSL Arts and Sciences transforms lives.

Why choose UMSL Arts and Sciences?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs that cover the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities and the social sciences, to the natural and applied sciences.

An undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences provides the intellectual base for a host of career paths, advanced study and research in many academic disciplines. Our graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility.

College of Arts and Sciences

Active researchers, scholars and practitioners

Our accomplished faculty provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on and practical education to best prepare them for success in the modern workforce.

Our faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarship that advances knowledge, theory and applied methods in their fields and provides an unparalleled academic experience. Truly inspired by students’ resilience, creativity, passion for learning and desire to make a difference in their communities, our faculty are driven to educate, prepare and cultivate the innovative spirit UMSL students are so well known for.

UMSL Faculty

An inspired and accomplished Triton network

The College of Arts and Sciences has prepared tens of thousands of graduates to become influential leaders and find career success in the region, nationally and internationally.

The collective expertise of our alumni encompasses an impressive and comprehensive list of disciplines. They are notable journalists, writers, public relations professionals and leaders in private and public sectors. They are scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, CEOs and much more. Committed to their organizations and communities, our graduates share a constant motivation to inspire others, drive positive change and transform the lives of others through their everyday work.

College of Arts and Science Alumni

Find your passion, chart your path

Our wide range of academic programs are structured to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to set yourself apart and be career ready on day one.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master and seven doctoral degrees as well as dozens of minor and certificate programs designed to get you where you want to go. With dedicated academic advisors ready to create a personalized plan to help you succeed in your academic journey, you'll have a clear path from start to finish. Find the program that’s right for you and apply today.

College of Arts and Sciences at UMSL

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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