Bachelor's in Economics (BA)

West Virginia University (WVU) has evolved into a prominent research university, offering a diverse array of academic programs and fostering a vibrant campus life. WVU provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and STEM disciplines. The university's strong ties to its Appalachian heritage and dedication to community engagement are notable features, as seen through its initiatives to address regional challenges and contribute to the economic development of the state. With a combination of rigorous academic offerings, a vibrant campus atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, West Virginia University continues to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The program leading to the B.A. degree is designed for students who wish to combine fundamental training in economics with a liberal arts education. In addition to the general education and related requirements, students have in excess of forty credit hours of unrestricted electives. Economics students are taught to identify the costs and the benefits of a decision, which are often not obvious. The economist has the skill to identify the real consequences of a decision. That skill is valued highly in many aspects of business and government. Economics is a useful major for anyone interested in a career in banking, business, foreign service, law, public policy, and any other field in which the ability to make or analyze decisions is important. The demand for people with degrees in economics, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels, is high. In recent years firms such as Amazon and Microsoft have hired a number of economists to improve pricing, strategy, and evidence-based decision-making within the company.