Economics, B.A.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics
Governors State University's Bachelor of Arts in Economics prepares students to analyze and understand economic systems at every level, from individual businesses and consumers to regional and global markets. The program develops the analytical skills, professional knowledge, and practical experience needed to compete and succeed in a wide range of industries.
A Community Built on Excellence and Inclusion
GovState is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that celebrates diverse perspectives among students, faculty, and staff. The Economics program reflects that commitment, preparing graduates not only for professional success but also for meaningful civic and cultural engagement.
Students benefit from a university that invests in their personal and professional growth, providing access to high-quality academic opportunities and real-world experiences. GovState's emphasis on community and regional service gives Economics students a broader context for their studies, connecting classroom learning to the challenges and opportunities facing the world around them.
Reach Your Career Goals
An Economics degree from Governors State University equips students with the analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers, including finance, business, government, and data analysis. Students learn to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed strategic decisions, competencies that are essential in today's competitive job market. The program also strengthens critical thinking and communication skills, preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges and advance professionally across a variety of fields.
A Degree with Broad Career Reach
Economists are employed across private, public, and government sectors, helping organizations forecast economic risk, evaluate policy, and identify opportunity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for economists was $115,440 in May 2024, reflecting strong earning potential across the field.
GovState's Bachelor of Arts in Economics prepares students to contribute to the health and stability of a wide range of organizations. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in economics and related fields, including law, public administration, and business.
What Are Some Jobs & Salaries You Can Get With an Economics Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Governors State University opens doors to a wide range of professional careers. The following roles represent common paths for Economics graduates, along with current median annual salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024).
Economic Consultant
Economic consultants produce data, evidence, and analysis for legal cases involving financial and economic issues, often working alongside legal professionals in litigation support. The closest BLS occupational category, Management Analysts, reports a median annual salary of $101,190.
Economist
Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to markets, monetary policy, and financial regulation. They work across private industry, the federal government, and international organizations, including the Federal Reserve, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization. The median annual wage for economists was $115,440 in May 2024. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts study investment trends in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, working with individual and institutional clients to inform investment decisions. The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $101,350 in May 2024. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts apply advanced mathematics and statistical modeling to help private and public organizations identify profitable financial strategies and manage risk. The BLS does not track "quantitative analyst" as a standalone occupational category. The median annual wage for Financial Risk Specialists, the closest comparable category, was $119,930 in May 2024.
Statistician
Statisticians apply statistical methods to help organizations across industries improve efficiency, manage risk, and support data-driven decision-making in both public and private settings. The median annual wage for statisticians was $103,300 in May 2024. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors work directly with clients to assess their financial situations and provide guidance on savings, insurance, investments, loans, and long-term financial planning. The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $102,140 in May 2024.
Loan Officer
Loan officers evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses applying for loans, working with applicants and lending institutions to identify and finalize appropriate loan solutions. The median annual wage for loan officers was $86,020 in May 2024.
What You'll Study
GovState's academic catalog includes detailed information about the accounting program, including required courses, credit hours, and degree requirements.
How to Apply
Applying to Governors State University's accounting program requires specific documents and eligibility requirements. Visit the admissions page to review everything needed to get started.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State University (GovState) offers a range of financial aid options to help students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants and Loans
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Scholarships
GovState offers merit-based and institutional scholarships for students at every stage of their academic journey. Incoming students may qualify for highly competitive awards, including the Presidential, Provost, and Dean's Scholarships. Current students can explore additional opportunities through Scholarship Universe and specialized awards such as the Earthrise Scholarship and others administered through the GovState Foundation.
Office of Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid is available year-round to help students navigate applications, review award offers, and plan financial support that aligns with their academic goals.
Get Involved
The College of Business offers academic credit internships approved by the Division Chair and supported by College of Business faculty. Internships provide hands-on, on-the-job learning where students apply field-specific technology skills and professional terminology while adapting to real workplace environments.
Practical experience gained through an internship strengthens a resume and gives students a competitive edge in the job market. For many students, an internship is one of the most effective paths to a full-time position in their chosen career field.
Accreditations
AACSB accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs. AACSB's accreditation processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Highlighted Faculty
Sébastien Mary, PhD
Associate Professor
Evelina Mengova, PhD
Full Professor
Lackson Mudenda
Assistant Professor
Contact Us
- Karen Williams Blackman
- College of Business
- 1 University Parkway, University Park Ill 60484
- 708.235.7485
- Kwilliams10@govst.edu