Economics (Bachelor of Arts)

Study Economics Near Chicago at Governors State University. At Governors State University, we make it a priority to focus on preparing our students for real-world success. We provide an experience with access to high-quality opportunities unlike any other in higher education.

The skills and knowledge it takes to compete in the professional world are taught in-depth, and our students learn how to excel with the confidence it takes to succeed in their prospective industries. With an Economics degree from Governors State University, students are prepared to focus on the whole economy, individual businesses, and individual people.

What Is Economics?

• Before you can make the decision to get a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, you need to understand what it entails. Economics takes into consideration how individuals and businesses conduct production, distribution, and consumption with the resources they have. It especially focuses on efficiency, using economic and statistical models to analyze different social phenomena.. 

There are three major sub-fields within Economics  you could study:

• International Economics – The study of International Economics explores different countries around the world, including developed and developing economies.
• Macroeconomics – The study of Macroeconomics examines  the performance of any economy at the national level. 
• Microeconomics – The study of Microeconomics considers individual producers and consumers and their decision-making processes.

Why Study Economics?

• Private, public, and government sectors all use the skills and knowledge of economists to help forecast economic risk and opportunity. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in Economics will prepare you to aid in the health and stability of a variety of organizations.
• With foundational skills in economics, you will also be prepared to go on to study at the graduate level, in either economics or related fields, such as law, public administration, and business.  

What Are Some Jobs & Salaries You Can Get With an Economics Degree?

• There is a variety   of jobs you could get with a BA in Economics. Whether you are coming to the end of your education or are just getting started, you will want to know what your future options are. The following are some jobs and salaries you could get with an Economics degree.

Economic Consultant

• If working with legal professionals sounds interesting to you, becoming an economic consultant might be a great goal. These consultants produce evidence, data, and other analyses for legal cases that center on financial issues or economics. The average starting salary is around $67,968 for an economic consultant.

Economist

• There is a lot of research that economists do to help organizations understand different markets. This helps those organizations make informed decisions. You can also work in the Federal Reserve System, for the U.S. (Federal) government, or find a job in an international organization, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, and many others. The average salary for an economist is $102,311.

Financial Analyst

• If the stock market is something you enjoy following, becoming a financial analyst may be in your best interest. These professionals study trends in stocks and bonds and can also closely examine other types of investment solutions. With the research and information they are so close to on a regular basis, they work with clients to make investment decisions. Clients might include individuals or businesses. The national average of a financial analyst’s salary is $84,878.

Quantitative Analyst

• Another job that requires in-depth research, a quantitative analyst must understand math and statistics at a deep level. Quantitative analysts work with both private and public organizations. Helping these organizations determine what financial moves will be most profitable, these professionals offer a lot of solutions and opportunities to their clients. A quantitative analyst could expect to earn around $141,375 each year.

Statistician

• Statisticians are beneficial in almost any industry. With the use of statistics, they are able to work with organizations, both private and public, to improve efficiency, business, risk management, and other important factors. Statisticians typically make around $88,426 each year.

Private Financial Advisor

• Whether you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit or like to work for another organization, being a private financial advisor is a quality job. A private financial advisor works directly with other individuals, helping them achieve financial goals in the short- and long-term. Looking over the individual’s finances, the advisor can help their clients with decisions about savings, insurance, stocks, loans, and other financial issues. The average salary is around $65,526 each year.

Loan Officer

• Loan officers work directly with people looking for a loan. The officer would typically have to look over the credit standing of the individual applying for credit and would generally come up with a solution for that individual. Once everything has been considered, the loan officer would come to an agreement with the applicant and the loan institution. The national average of a loan officer’s salary is $75,911.

Why Governors State University?

• When you apply for the Economics program at Governors State University, you are applying to be educated in one of the greatest universities globally. Our vision gives you a stimulating experience focused on excellence, responsibility, diversity, and innovation. 

At Governors State University, we:

• Demonstrate – We show our students, staff, and faculty how to be inclusive, while celebrating diversity and differing perspectives.
• Invest – Focusing on the achievement of our students, we are deeply involved in the personal and professional goals of every student.
• Prepare – Through your educational experience at Governors State University, you will be ready to thrive in your economic position in the world.
• Promote – We encourage our students to grow in their professional, personal, civic, and cultural duties.
• Provide – Our students all have access to the opportunities a first-class education should offer.
• Serve – Being involved in our community, we help the citizens of our great state and region grow and improve.

Reach Your Career Goals

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth of demand for economists over the next decade due to an increasingly complex global economy, changes to financial regulations, and a more competitive U.S. and international business environment.