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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Minor 

Business Administration: Applied Economics

The applied economics specialization within the business administration bachelor’s degree program at BGSU equips students with the tools to understand, analyze and address real-world economic issues.

Applied economics focuses on the practical use of economic theory and the analysis of data to make better business decisions and solve complex problems in society. 

Students generally choose the applied economics specialization because they want to combine economics with another business specialization or discipline, such as public policy or global studies. 

The data analysis, research and decision-making skills our students learn complement many of our 13 business specializations. They are relevant to nearly any profession in business, government and nonprofits. 

The Schmidthorst College of Business offers two other economics degree options: 

  • A BSBA specialization in economics – for students who want to work in the corporate arena as a business economist 
  • A B.S. in economics – for students who want a strong quantitative foundation and focus in economics

Why study business and applied economics at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Personalized program. Applied economics students can design a unique course of study that combines economics with a related discipline, such as public policy, financial economics or global studies.
  • Immersive education. Hands-on opportunities outside of the classroom give you real-world skills that build your resume and impress potential employers.
    • Gain job experience as early as freshman year. Over 73% of business graduates complete one or more internships. Nearly all interns are paid, with an average salary of $19 an hour.
    • The Schmidthorst College of Business offers ample study abroad opportunities with university partners around the world.
  • Business-specific scholarships. Apply for more than $1 million in scholarships.
  • Expert faculty. Our faculty members are world-renowned thought leaders whose trailblazing research is published in leading business journals and shapes the future of business practice and theory.  They are a strategic mix of practitioners and researchers who ensure the latest industry trends and research are integrated into classes.
  • Invaluable industry and alumni partners build connections and open doors. They share their knowledge, mentor and hire students for internships and full-time jobs.
  • Career prep. We have a career coach embedded in the college who will prepare you for your first internship and continue to support you as you graduate and find full-time work.  Beta Alpha Psi hosts an annual meet the firms night, providing you additional opportunities to connect with employers and build your professional network.
  • Business District Learning Community. Learn and live with other business students. You’ll find a sense of community, opportunities to interact with business faculty and industry professionals and the chance to go on field trips and to conferences.

Ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. for student experience

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Career – what can you do with a specialization in applied economics?

The BSBA specialization in applied economics will give you an advantage in any field or job that requires skills in analyzing and predicting economic data and trends. Applied economics graduates are well-equipped to shape economic outcomes in various sectors.

Graduates can become economists who provide crucial insights and policy recommendations to governments and organizations or financial analysts who help investors make informed decisions. They excel as market research analysts, management consultants, data analysts and real estate analysts who analyze trends, solve problems and maximize profitability. 

Applied economists also play vital roles in international trade, environmental policy, healthcare, insurance, agribusiness and government. They contribute to informed decision-making and resource allocation. 

Students also are well prepared for graduate education in MBA programs or law school.

Career paths

  • Agribusiness 
  • Consumer goods planning
  • Environmental economist
  • Health economist
  • Research economist 
  • Research analyst – economist
  • Federal Reserve or World Bank economist

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Curriculum

Applied economics majors take core business courses required for the BSBA. You also select a complementary area of study to combine with economics.

Choose from recommended course combinations in:

  • Public policy
  • Financial economics
  • Economic forecasting
  • Market forecasting
  • Global studies
  • Politics and political economy 

Other combinations are available to meet your specific career goals. 

We also have incorporated the BGSU Life Design curriculum into our introductory business course. Faculty members, in collaboration with Life Design and career coaches, help you learn lifelong skills to craft a plan for your future and pivot when faced with challenges.

Required courses

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Sample courses

  • Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • Contemporary Economic Problems
  • Health Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Economic Analytics
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Game Theory

One of only 6% of business schools with AACSB accreditation, the highest accreditation possible

Schmidthorst College of Business Specializations

The flexibility to complete one or more of our 13 specializations distinguishes us from other universities – and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Accounting
  • Applied Economics
  • Business Analytics and Intelligence
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Individualized Business
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Sales and Services Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management

Premier entrepreneurship program

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at BGSU is one of 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

We weave entrepreneurship into all business programs and offer an entrepreneurship minor.

You can take courses in:

  • Real estate entrepreneurship
  • Women and social entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofit and corporate responsibility
  • Innovation and disruption

Top business leaders and entrepreneurs-in-residence bring real-world experience and expertise to our curriculum. A mentorship program connects students with alumni and industry leaders.

Thanks to an incubation program funded by alumni and supporters, more than $800,000 has been provided to student entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business

The Applied Economics specialization of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is a program of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The applied economics specialization of the BSBA program does not lead to professional licensure.

Updated: 12/14/2023 10:15AM