Economics and Decision Sciences

students and speakers in a class

About Economics and Decision Sciences

Economics is one of the most flexible undergraduate majors, and as a graduate degree economics can open doors to new career possibilities. We have developed a set of undergraduate and graduate electives designed to prepare students for some of the many careers in economics. Our alumni page showcases some of the achievements of our graduates.

At both the undergraduate and graduate levels we have a number of scholarship and fellowship opportunities including Fullbrights and Peace Corps Fellowships. Our Analytics and Economics Student Association involves students in educational, networking, and social activities.

The faculty of the department are commited to teaching and are actively engaged in research. The research enriches the classroom experience by encouraging faculty to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. Faculty present their work to their peers and to our graduate students in a seminar series adding intellectual vigor to the program.

We invite you to explore our programs and contact the department with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Program Accreditation

The Bachelor of Business in Economics is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB Accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest standing, most recognized form of specialized/professional accreditation an institution and its business programs can earn.

Student Resources

Analytics and Economics Tutoring Center

The Economics Tutoring Center a place for students to go for assistance with homework, primarily for Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Introductory Decision Sciences courses. Tutors are available during posted hours. The lab is staffed by graduate students in our M.S. programs. A limited number of computers with internet access are available, though priority is given to students receiving assistance from the lab monitor. The lab also contains a number of economics textbooks and study materials.

Location: Stipes Hall 202
Phone: (309) 298-1513

Analytics and Economics Student Association (AESA)

The purpose of AESA is to enhance the professional and personal development of its members through discipline-specific activities such as participation in professional trips and seminars, networking with industry experts; and to provide fellowship among students and faculty.

Omicron Delta Epsilon

Omicron Delta Epsilon is the International Honor Society for Economics. Learn more at www.omicrondeltaepsilon.org

Why Economics?

Economics: "Why my major matters"

By: Sarah Blaase '14 MA '13 BB Economics & Sloane Levin '14 BB Economics and Finance
(from Western Courier, 28 September 2012)

Economics is interesting, plain and simple. Why do we, as consumers, buy certain products? Why does the government enact certain policies or decide to raise taxes? Questions like these demonstrate why economics is all about the study of choice. We chose to major in economics because the job opportunities are seemingly endless.

Career options for economics majors vary with lucrative opportunities in finance and banking, health care, government agencies, sales and marketing, and even the sports world has a place for economics.

Economics is not only important for our careers, but on a personal level as well. Having a strong understanding of the subject will help us become financially smarter, better consumers and more informed voters. The logic and analytical skills developed throughout the undergraduate experience are also great preparation for graduate school.

Lastly, economics is fun. Trust us and read "Freakonomics," or watch "Moneyball." As mentioned, economics provides the necessary skills to prepare one for success in graduate school or the job market. Some of the most successful businessmen like Warren Buffet and Sam Walton had degrees in economics.

Economics will simply help you better understand how the world works. Western Illinois University has a great economics department, and we encourage all students to take an economics course or attend an Analytics and Economics Student Association (AESA) meeting to find out more information.