BS in Business Economics

Earn your BS in business economics at Sacred Heart University, and advance your knowledge through both theory and practical application.

Economics majors are equipped with the analytical skills essential in the fields of business, public policy and law. The study of economics helps students hone analytical, decision-making and leadership skills. These core skills learned in economics complement many other areas; thus, many students choose economics as part of a double major.

Why Earn your Bachelor of Science in Business Economics at Sacred Heart University?

Economics is the study of decision-making under scarcity. Individuals, households and firms are constantly evaluating the trade-offs of using their time, money and/or resources to satisfy their wants. Economic models explain these behaviors and provide a framework to evaluate shocks to the decision-making process.

In the applied field of business economics, students will use economic tools–the core economic theory and applied analytical methods–to critically evaluate decisions by market agents. They will explore questions like:

• How do changes in price affect consumers’ willingness to buy and producers’ willingness to sell in product markets?
• What is the optimal combination of capital and labor in a production process? What role does strategic flexibility play as prices change in resource markets?
• How does the government impact the economy through fiscal policy? How does the Federal Reserve independently impact the economy through monetary policy? When do fiscal and monetary policy conflict? What policies lead to greater economic growth?
• How are products, resources and money exchanged across countries and what are the impacts of tariffs and trade policy on the economy?
• How do I construct an empirical model from the theoretical frameworks, test hypotheses using the scientific method, distinguish between statistical significance and economic significance of these relationships and make forecasts based on these models?

The BS in business economics program provides students with an understanding of the global business environment and market structure. Through the program, you will:

• Acquire the data-driven analytical skills needed to investigate and evaluate the economic effects of policy actions at local, state, national and international levels.
  • Use industry-standard applications: Excel and E-Views
• Interpret economic events and conditions affecting the markets and society, at large
  • e.g. the role of economic sanctions on trade and economic growth, the impact of national deficits and/or debt on market stability and the effects of the Great Recession and COVID-19 on the economy
• Understand economic factors that impact individuals and business decision-making
  • e.g. the impact of interest rates on consumer spending and/or saving; the role of antitrust legislation to protect consumers and market efficiency
• Explore the role of ethics and unintended consequences in economic decision-making
  • e.g. the role of policies on minimum wage, environmental protection and public welfare on employment and market efficiency in the short and long run

In the BS in Business Economics program, you will also:

• Benefit from small class sizes
• Learn from faculty who are internationally recognized scholars 
• Have the chance to pursue research opportunities, both independent or alongside faculty
• Gain internship experience through opportunities for placement at GE, People’s United Bank, UBS, Bank of America, Bloomberg, Blum Shapiro and Pricewaterhouse Coopers
• Put your knowledge to the test and solve real-world local business problems in the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Lab
• Have the opportunity to immerse yourself in monetary policymaking in the Fed Challenge competition
• Be invited to travel to various corporate headquarters and business offices as part of the Welch Experience
• Have the option to study abroad
• Be part of SHU’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, which offers innovative programs, an active approach to learning and experiential learning opportunities alongside networking and resume-building opportunities

How do I tailor this broad degree to my own interests?

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in business economics at Sacred Heart University have the unique opportunity to tailor their degree to align with their specific interests and career goals. Beyond the foundational core courses in economics, students can choose from a diverse range of electives that allow them to explore specialized areas such as political economy, finance, international business or business analytics. This flexibility enables students to deepen their knowledge in the areas that resonate the most with their aspirations, preparing them for a wide array of careers in both the public and private sectors.

Prepare for a variety of business-related careers

Business economics provides a foundation for careers in business, government and law. A graduate with a BS in business economics can pursue a career as a:

• Financial analyst
• Investment analyst
• Economic consultant
• Market research analyst and/or forecaster
• Health care analyst
• Banker
• Business leader
• Entrepreneur
• Government official
• Policy analyst
• Lawyer

Graduates may also choose to enter a graduate degree program in business, economics or law. Sacred Heart students have been admitted to:

• Sacred Heart University programs (MBA, MFIM, MSBA)
• Fordham University
• The University of Connecticut
• The University of New Hampshire
• The University of Pennsylvania
• George Washington University Law School
• Suffolk Law School

Benefit from various degree options

At SHU, you can expand your studies by pursuing a double major, or continue your education with an MBA or MS in Finance & Investment Management at SHU.

Dual Degree Program Options for Business Economics Majors

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs make it easy for first-year students to move from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.

Some programs need specific majors, but others are open to most fields of study. Apply as an incoming first-year student, and you can be accepted into both programs at once. Reach out to your admissions counselor to learn about your options.