Economics

(Printable version)

If you are interested in studying the complex problems of inflation, homelessness, pollution, energy shortages and government deficits than economics may be the major for you. Knowledge of economic theory, history and institutions helps students understand important policy areas such as labor markets, banking, taxation, business cycles, health care, international trade and finance, environment, law, urban development and antitrust actions. UW-Eau Claire’s economics program also offers solid preparation for law school or graduate studies in economics and other related areas.

The Experience Advantage

Students gain on-the-job experience through an extensive professional internship program, as well as an academic internship for students interested in pursuing graduate education. To aid you in the transition to employment or further education, the economics department sponsors trips to area graduate schools, visits by individuals employed in economics-related occupations and alumni volunteers who serve as mentors.

Faculty make the difference

Through our faculty/student collaborative research program, students can participate in fascinating research projects while working one-on-one with professors in their field and gain in-depth knowledge for their careers or graduate school. Students have access to the Chippewa Valley Center for Economic Research and Development, which sponsors student and faculty research on the regional economy. Our outstanding economics faculty are proud of the individual attention they give their students. You'll learn in small class settings and get lots of one-on-one

attention from professors who go out of their way to get to know you.

Well paid

A recent study from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University reported that lifetime earnings of economics graduates are higher, on average, than those with majors in other social science disciplines and many other fields. The median annual salary for economics majors in the U.S. was $70,000, close behind the median salary for engineering majors ($75,000) and higher than the median for business majors ($60,000).

Cap it off

During the year prior to graduation, each student completes a capstone project, which draws upon theory, practice and policy. Recently some students have worked in teams to study the economics of global warming, regional economic trends, and public health initiatives.

Majors

Economics - teaching
Economics - liberal arts

Comprehensive major

Major requires no minor

Business Economics (see separate webpage)

Minors

Economics - liberal arts
Economics - teaching

Suggested freshman curriculum

- Principles of
Microeconomics**
- Intro to College Writing
- Humanities or social
science elective
- Foreign language
and/or math
- Principles of
Macroeconomics**
- Principles of Accounting
- Laboratory natural
science course
**Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics should both be taken in the first year. Students can start either course. Most upper-division economics courses list these as prerequisites.
More advising information

Our graduates

Typical positions held by economic graduates include banker, forecaster, economic or business analyst, insurance underwriter, manager, community/economic developer, university professor.
More career information

Program notes

The Economics Department offers three majors leading to a degree in three different Colleges. Each degree has distinct GE requirements as well as differing major requirements. Students should consult with an adviser early in their careers to determine which major is best.

Places you’ll find recent graduates:

- Credit Risk Manager,
The Swiss Colony,
Monroe, WI
- Senior Merchandise
Planning Analyst, Best Buy
- Corporate Bond
Representative, Piper Jaffray,
Minneapolis, MN
- Technology Analyst,
Andersen Consulting,
Minneapolis, MN
- Policy Analyst, Wisconsin
Department of Workforce
Development

economics class

Department contact information

Wayne Carroll
carrolwd@uwec.edu

715-836-5743