University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Economics, BA

Economics is the study of choice and decision-making in the face of scarce resources, both at the individual and group levels. Economists examine tradeoffs between different actions and behaviors; analyze different scenarios such as a change in prices, cultural values, or law; and seek to explain and predict human behavior.

Students often ask what the difference is between Economics and Finance. The areas are interrelated and inform and influence each other. Professionally, there is also crossover, with economists working in financial markets and financial experts working on economic policy. In broad terms, economics focuses on concepts related to overall markets, government policy, and decision-making influences. Finance tends to focus on individual businesses and individual people, including the study of assets and liabilities, and financial statements and reporting.

At UWM, students of economics have access to faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in their field. Focus areas for students to choose from include economic theory, quantitative methods including econometrics, public policy, law and the economy, labor economics, and international economic relations.

Many are surprised to learn about the diverse career paths a major in Economics can lead to. Individuals with strong analytical ability and skill working with data and statistics are in high demand in financial management, accounting, human resources, data management, law, marketing, insurance, and more.