business economics major student at laptop

Business Economics Degree

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

Combine ground-level business savvy with an understanding of the economy from 30,000 feet.

Learn the day-to-day tasks of operating a business and how real-world economic conditions are likely to affect it. We specialize in blending economics with entrepreneurship. You'll graduate with the skills to gather and analyze data to solve problems affecting companies, governments and non-profit organizations.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

What is a Business Economics degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Data, and knowing how to analyze it, is a critical part of economics. In the world of business, though, analysis goes only so far — you need to be as adept at finding solutions as identifying issues. The bachelor degree in Business Economics integrates economics with courses in marketing, management, accounting, finance and quantitative analysis. By the time you graduate, you'll have built a foundation that will help you make sensible policy recommendations whether you work in business or government.

Accelerated Business Economics Programs

Interested in earning a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years? Consider the Accelerated Economics (B.A./M.S.) degree program which focuses on material from both the Business Economics (B.B.A.) program and our nationally ranked M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics graduate degree program.

Accredited Business Economics Degree

AACSB Logo

This Business Economics major is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Accreditation by AACSB International puts the Nistler CoBPA in the top 5% of business schools in the world.

Business Economics Degree at UND

  • Participate in our Student Managed Investment Fund. The group invests real money into a variety of portfolios. 

  • Hear leading economists discuss insights on emerging issues at the annual Korus Seminar Series. The series is hosted by the Department of Economics & Finance.

  • Network and meet other influencers when you participate in any of our 25 student-run professional clubs and organizations.

  • Learn in the new Nistler Hall. It’s a modern and inviting building for UND's business and public administration students.

  • Receive personalized career support through the Pancratz Career Development Center. The center is dedicated exclusively to career development for online and on-campus Nistler College of Business & Public Administration students.

  • Gain international business experience in our student exchange programs. We have Study Abroad opportunities in China, Europe and Australia.

What jobs can I get with a Business Economics degree?

97%

Nistler CoBPA grads who are in jobs or pursuing further education

UND Nistler CoBPA

79k

Median annual salary for business and financial occupations, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Business Economics majors are primed to excel at the next level. On average, they score higher than any other business major on LSAT scores and other professional and graduate exams.

Graduates of UND's Business Economics program are sought after by some of the nation's leading accounting, investment and banking firms. Possible career paths include:

  • Economic analyst
  • Economic/business consultant
  • Financial analyst
  • Forecaster
  • Market research analyst
  • Policy analyst/consultant

Business Economics Degree Skills

A Business Economics degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analysis
  • Economics
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Statements
  • Strategic Planning

Jobs with a Business Economics Degree

Our Business Economics degree holders have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
  • Wells Fargo & Company
  • ADI Builders, LLC
  • Aafedt, Forde, Gray & Monson
  • Alarm.com, Inc.
  • Alerus Financial Corporation

Business Economics Degree Courses

ECON 309. Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory and Policy. 3 Credits.

A framework for studying national income, employment, and the general price level is developed. Theoretical perspectives on the National Income and Product accounts, expenditures in the public and private sectors of the economy, and supply and demand for money, labor and other resources are surveyed. Macroeconomic Theory is then applied to a study of monetary, fiscal, incomes, and other policies intended to influence unemployment, inflation, balance of international financial payments, and economic growth. (Core requirement for students planning advanced study in Economics.). Prerequisite: ECON 201 and ECON 202. S.

ECON 370. Data Visualization. 3 Credits.

Making data-driven decisions is a common refrain in most business sectors. The communication of these decisions is an important part of the decision process and the inclusion of key stakeholders. Whether communication is brief or long the use of visuals is possibly more important now than ever. When data is sparse or voluminous, visualizations are an important part of making the story told by the data clear and resonant. This course takes students through the theory and practice of data visualization. This translates into students taking the time to think about and research. Various aspects of the "best practices" around visualizations prior to the creation of the visualization. Students will also look at multiple different ways to create the visualization, such as the appropriate software environment, consideration of the end use for the visualization, and consideration of the end impact desired for the visualization. Prerequisite: ECON 210 or equivalent statistics course. F.

ECON 303. Money and Banking. 3 Credits.

Nature of our current Monetary system; functional analysis of commercial bank operations; limits to credit expansion; alternative theories of the value of money; monetary and fiscal policies for control of the business cycle; powers of the Federal Reserve System and the Treasury; mechanics of international payment; balance-of-payments and other problems. Prerequisite: ECON 201 and ECON 202. F,S,SS.

ECON 324. Public Finance. 3 Credits.

Growth and effects of the public sector of the economy emphasizing effects of taxation and spending or borrowing and debt management on efficiency and use of economic resources. Prerequisite: ECON 201 and ECON 202. S.

ECON 410. Empirical Methods in Economics I. 3 Credits.

This course examines the statistical techniques for economic data analyses, estimation of causal effects, hypothesis tests, prediction of economic relationships/theories. Core topics include basic statistical methods and probability distributions, ordinary least squares, multiple regression, non-linear regression, introduction of time-series analysis and problems in their application such as multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, and dummy variable, among others. As part of the course, students will manage data and estimate regression models using statistical software. Prerequisite: ECON 201, ECON 202 and ECON 210. F.

ECON 411. Economic Forecasting. 3 Credits.

An introduction to Economics Forecasting and Time Series Analysis. The course will cover specifications and estimation of ARMA models, seasonality, non-stationarity, unit roots and forecast evaluations. Empirical applications are used throughout the course. Prerequisite: ECON 410 or ECON 506. S.

UND Business Economics BBA

Best Business Economics Degree

Our business economics program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

BEST BACHELOR'S IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS

Best Online Business Economics Degree

10%

top online bachelor's in business programs

U.S. News

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Earn your online Business Economics degree while you continue to live and work in your own community.

You’ll receive the convenience of online learning with the personal contact and connection of being with classmates. Our online tools offer ways of communicating across distances, connecting to others and their ideas, and presenting information.

Compare the cost of UND’s online Business Economics degree. You’ll find it’s one of the most affordable accredited degree programs in the nation for business economics.

Our accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), is the gold standard of business school accreditation. Our students appreciate our affordable tuition rates. Online Economics students pay the same tuition rate regardless of where you live. UND offers 13% lower tuition and fees than comparable institutions in the region.

We are highly regarded for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Flexible Online Business Economics Classes

UND's Business Economics courses are delivered 100% online. You never have to come to campus.

The online Business Economics courses are offered either in synchronous or asynchronous giving you maximum flexibility to complete the degree in the style you prefer. In many courses, you'll be expected to participate in "live" discussions held outside of classroom lecture times.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Resources for Online Business Economics Students

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Business

In the classroom or boardroom, you'll gain the hands-on experience necessary to become a leader.

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