Economics
Data tells stories about people. In Valpo’s economics program, you’ll learn to read those stories, understanding what drives human behavior through hands-on work with data analysis, generative AI, modeling, and forecasting. You’ll graduate ready to make informed decisions that impact businesses, communities, and economies.
About Our Economics Program
With the increasing complexity of the global economy, the job outlook for economists is expected to grow through 2033. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for economists was $115,730 in 2023.
Valpo economics graduates go on to shine in both the public and private sectors, with many continuing on to law school, master of business administration (MBA) programs, and doctorate programs in economics and related disciplines. Our alumni have worked in the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, and at banks, insurance companies, and corporations across the world.
An economics degree is excellent preparation for a variety of possible careers. Many Valpo economics graduates have continued on to law school, MBA programs, and Ph.D. programs in economics and related disciplines.
Economics graduates have also obtained positions in the public and the private sector. Recent alumni placements upon graduation include:
- Meshach Melton ’24, Quality Control Associate, Revolution Field Strategies
- Michael Hazboun ’23, Doctorate student in Industrial-Organization, University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
- Noor Azmat ’23, Administrative Contracts Coordinator, Hilton Grand Vacations
- Betsy Martins ’23, Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan
- Derek Eidson ’22 – Credit Analyst, Mission Bank
- Drew Alexander ’21 — Financial Analyst, Wells Fargo
- Robert Fortmeyer ’21 — J.D. Candidate, Regent University School of Law
- Bryan Garmon ’21 — Associate Consultant, Aon
- Lucas Strothoff ’21 — Data Analytics Coordinator, Assurance
- Alejandra Alvarez ’20 — J.D. Candidate, New England School of Law
- Adali Johnson ’20 — Senior Research Assistant, Monetary and Financial Market Analysis at the Federal Reserve Board
- Felipe Alzate’19 – Junior Actuary, Addactis
- Gowan Baldwin’19 – Private Equity Analyst
- Stephanie Hedges ’19 — Business Operations Analyst at Red Ventures
- Jonathan Metcalfe’19 – Analyst, Underwriting and Analytics at Ardeo Education Solutions
- Joshua Mullens’ 19 – Financial Services Tax Associate, Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Caroline Pratt’19 – English Second Language Teacher, Teach Thailand Corps
- Michael Wheeler’19- Insurance Sales Representative, State Farm Insurance
- Mordecai Benson’ 18 – Data Analyst, Azavar Technologies
- Calvin Duong’ 18 – Profitability Analyst, BCU
- Alexandra Pettenuzzo’ 18 – Data/Billing Analyst, Charter Communications
- Megan Salrin’ 18 – Legislative Assistant, US House of Representatives
- Aaron Cartwright’ 17 – Operations Coordinator, United States Senate
- Amber Haack’ 17 – Credit Analyst, Horizon Bank
- Jaelin Hayden’17 – Business Development Associate, Barbaricum
- Jacob Schoon’ 17 – Sales Manager, Hobson Chevrolet Buick GMC
- Iveren Akaagerger’ 16 – CEO, Siman Catering
- Hannah Dorman’ 16 Asghari – Senior Healthcare Data Analyst, UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust
- Kurtis Michelfelder, 16 – Economist, Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Claire Urness’16- Marketing Coordinator, vAut0
- Justin Wicker’ 16 – Software Engineer, Etix
- Jessica Richardson’ ’15 Frankel – Quantitative Consultant, All State
- Alex Williams’ 15 – Asset Manager, White Lodging Services
- Paul Yox, ’15 – Fixed Income Research Specialist, Rocaton Investment Advisors
Employers of graduates from our Economics program include:
- BMO Harris Bank
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Charter Communications
- City of San Jose, California
- ContiTech USA
- Gary Community School Corporation
- Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance
- General Motors
- Great American Insurance Company
- H.I.G. Capital
- Mastercard
- Missouri Department of Transportation & Patrol Employees Retirement System
- United Health Group
- UBS
- Ventas, Inc.
- Wabash College
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue
General Information
The Valparaiso University Experience – also known simply as VUE – is our University-wide general education core. Starting with year one, students of all majors take courses that encourage the growth of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for a well-rounded liberal arts background, helping you understand the world and your place in it.
For Valpo’s bachelor of arts in economics, students complete 27 credit hours of economics courses in addition to the general education requirements for their bachelor’s degree. The University-wide general education core of arts and sciences strengthens skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Students majoring in Valpo’s economics program complete required coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, math, and statistics. Students also take at least 9 credits of economics electives.
| Major Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| ECON 221 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 Cr. |
| ECON 222 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 Cr. |
| ECON 321 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 3 Cr. |
| ECON 322 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory | 3 Cr. |
| ECON 325 | Econometrics | 3 Cr. |
| ECON 499 | Capstone in Economics | 3 Cr. |
| Total: | 18 Cr. |
Free Electives (Note 1): The credit count for free electives varies based on 3 or 4 credit classes chosen in General Education requirements. Students must reach 124 Cr. to graduate.
| One Course From the Following Options: | ||
|---|---|---|
| MATH 126 | Calculus and Functions Part II | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 Cr. |
| One Course From the Following Options: | ||
|---|---|---|
| STAT 140 | General Statistics | 3 Cr. |
| STAT 240 | Statistical Analysis | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 Cr. |
| BUS 205 | Business Statistics | 3 Cr. |
Note: Credit for ECON 221 and 222 may be earned through the College-Level Examination Program subject examination in introductory economics. ECON 136 and ECON 486 will not count toward fulfilling the minimum major or minor requirements.
Economics Minor
General Economics Minor
Credit for ECON 221 and 222 may be earned through the College Level Examination Program subject examination in introductory economics. ECON 136 and ECON 486 will not count toward fulfilling the minimum major or minor requirements.
Required Courses
| ECON 221 | Principles of Economics-Micro | 3 credits |
| ECON 222 | Principles of Economics-Macro | 3 credits |
| One course from the following options: ECON 321 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory ECON 322 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory ECON 325 Econometrics | 3 credits | |
| Nine credits of ECON electives, including at least one ECON course at the 300 level or above | 9 credits | |
| Total | 18 credits | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 credits |
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Meet Our Faculty
Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.
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