Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University
← All Programs

Economics

Also offered as: Minor , Economics: International Studies (Undergraduate Option)

Learn how people, businesses and governments make choices that shape everyday life. EIU’s flexible Economics B.A. combines data analysis, real-world research and close faculty guidance to prepare you for careers in business, government, consulting, law and beyond.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
Economics

Request Info: Economics

We know you have questions about Economics at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 30 in Major
Careers
Managers
Economics students at EIU

Why Study Economics at EIU?

  • Learn in classes averaging 17 students, with regular access to experienced faculty
  • Customize the flexible major with electives, a minor or another academic interest
  • Build analytical, quantitative and communication skills valued across industries
  • Visit economic institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Chicago Board of Trade
  • Complete original research and present your findings during the senior capstone experience
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"Being located so close to home, EIU was a perfect fit for me. I could stay in the area and learn from local mentors. The countless opportunities I've been given being a local student will soon allow me to graduate debt-free."
Isaac Brown
Economics | Class of 2026
Isaac Brown, Economics at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Complete internships with businesses, government agencies, nonprofits or community organizations
  • Visit major economic institutions and connect with alumni during the annual Chicago trip
  • Use real-world information to study markets, policies and community issues
  • Design and complete an original research project during the senior capstone course
  • resent your findings and policy implications at EIU’s undergraduate economics research showcase
Hands-On Experience, Economics students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Economics minor develops practical skills in economic thinking and opens many career choices, and it combines easily with any major. It is a fit if you want to understand how markets, choices and policies shape the world around you and apply that thinking to your own field. The minor is flexible, so you choose courses that match your interests and career aspirations and apply economic thinking to questions in your own major.

View in Catalog
$136,550
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers
  • Wind Energy Operations Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Economists
  • Environmental Economists
  • Survey Researchers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly / Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit EnterprisingEnterprising interest typeYou like business and leadership. This type of work includes managing, selling, marketing and leading, including in politics or law.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Ahmed Abou-Zaid
Professor and Director of Economics, Interim Associate Dean, Lumpkin College of Business and Technology
asabouzaid@eiu.edu
2821 Coleman Hall
217-581-3812
Ahmed Abou-Zaid Message Ahmed

Message Ahmed

or email asabouzaid@eiu.edu directly
Austin Cheney
Dean, Lumpkin College of Business and Technology
acheney@eiu.edu
4801
217-581-3526
Austin Cheney Message Austin

Message Austin

or email acheney@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Economics: International Studies Pre-Law Studies Public Planning Certificate Sustainability > View All Programs

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Film Studies
Minor
3D Studio Art
Undergraduate Option • B.F.A.
Exercise Science: Pre-Athletic Training
Undergraduate Option • B.S. Athletic Training
Special Education
Major • B.S. Education • Graduate • B.S. Education
German Studies
Major • B.A.
Mathematics
Major • B.A. • Minor
Interdisciplinary Studies
Major • B.A.
Anthropology
Minor
Biochemistry
Minor • Major • B.S.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

APPLY NOW  SCHEDULE A VISIT 
Eastern Illinois University

CONNECT.

CONTACT US.
Contact Us | Accessibility | About EIU | Emergency Information | Employment at EIU | Campus Map | Freedom of Information Act | Supporting our Veterans | Concerns & Complaints | Privacy Statement

Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.