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Business Economics (BSBA)

Develop a Strong Foundation

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Business Economics at the University of Dayton's AACSB-accredited School of Business Administration prepares you to analyze data, understand markets and solve real-world challenges while building skills valued across industries. At UD, you'll build a strong foundation through core business and economics courses paired with hands-on experiential learning. UD offers three pathways focused on business, policy and the humanities, or mathematics, allowing you to customize for your interest and career goal.

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Fast Facts

AACSB Dual-Accredited

a designation held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide

93% of undergraduate

students complete an internship before graduation
About the Business Economics (BSBA) Program

Why study business economics at UD?

Real-World Experience

Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and achieve tangible success, from winning the ECON Games to managing more than $75.5 million in assets at the Davis Center for Portfolio Management. These unparalleled opportunities demonstrate the immediate and powerful value of a UD education.

Capstone Project

Gain real-world experience and explore your passions during your semester-long economics research capstone. You'll take a deep dive into compelling datasets on topics you care about, like public policies, social and health issues, business outcomes, politics, sports and more, while developing crucial analytical skills. This is your opportunity to lead your own in-depth economic research.

Study Abroad

Gain global insights in the economics field with our integrated study abroad opportunity that will take first-year students all the way to Amsterdam.

Bridge Together Economics and Sustainability

Join the Hanley Center for ESG Investing to explore the intersection of economics and sustainability — and help shape a more responsible future. Be part of the movement driving ethical, impactful investing.

Faculty Who Bring Real Industry Experience

Ninety percent of full-time business analytics faculty have significant industry experience and bring those insights directly into the classroom. In the School of Business Administration, all classes are taught by faculty — never graduate assistants.

AACSB Dual-Accredited

The University of Dayton School of Business Administration is dual-accredited by AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — with additional specialized accreditation for our accounting program. Fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide hold this prestigious dual-accreditation of accounting and business.

Want to Learn More?

Read the business economics program FAQ for information on careers, student involvement, skills gained and more.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about business analytics at UD.

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How do I apply to the business economics program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Business Economics (BSBA) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Business Economics degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

Economics is the rigorous study of choices made under conditions of scarcity. It provides a robust framework for analyzing decisions at all levels, from individuals and firms to comprehensive government policies concerning unemployment, inflation, international trade, income distribution and financial systems.

When you study business economics at the University of Dayton, you will develop a strong foundation through core business courses such as accounting, business ethics, decision sciences, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, and operations management. Additional coursework provides an integrated, multifaceted approach to the career world.

Read our FAQ to learn more about this program.

Pathways to Explore Economics
  • Business Economics (BSBA): Bridges core economic concepts with practical business applications, preparing you for careers at the intersection of economics and commerce. This program is offered by the AACSB accredited School of Business Administration.
  • Economics (B.A.): Integrates economic principles with a broad liberal arts foundation, fostering a comprehensive understanding of societal and humanistic contexts. This degree is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Applied Mathematical Economics (B.S.): Provides a more intensive focus on mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis within economic theory. This degree is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • BIZ 101 – Launching Your Business Career: Foundations for Student Success
    1
  • BIZ 201 – Business Cases and Communications
    3
  • ECO 203 – Principles of Microeconomics
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MTH 129 – Calculus for Business
    3
  • CAP Arts Study
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • BIZ 103 – Develop Your Vocation and Career Flight Plan
    1
  • ECO 204 – Principles of Macroeconomics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • MGT 101 – Entrepreneurial, Innovative, and Creative Mindsets
    3
  • MGT 201 – Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
    3
  • CAP Natural Science and Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • ECO 346 or 340 – 346: Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis; 340: Managerial Economics
    3
  • ACC 201 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions I
    3
  • BAN 210 – Statistics for Business Analytics I
    3
  • BIZ 202 – Career Flight Takeoff
    1
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • MGT 301 – Organizational Behavior
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • ECO 300-400 Elective
    3
  • ACC 202 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions II
    3
  • BAN 211 – Statistics for Business Analytics 2
    3
  • MIS 301 – Information Systems in Organizations
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • ECO 441 or 410 – 441: Econometrics; 410: Business and Economic Forecasting
    3
  • ECO 300-400 Elective
    3
  • FIN 301 – Introduction to Financial Management
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • ECB Major Breadth Elective
    3
  • BIZ 301 – Successfully Navigating Your Career Flight Plan
    1
  • MKT 301 – Principles of Marketing
    3
  • OPS 301 – Survey of Operations and Supply Management
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 7
  • ECB Major Breadth Elective
    3
  • MGT 490 – Strategic Management
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • ECO 490 – Senior Seminar in Applied Economics
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 12

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Business Administration, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

99% success rate

after graduation for the School of Business Administration

Your Academic Path: The UD Business Economics Experience

Double Major

Choose a second or even third major! You can personalize your academic path to support your goals and interests. You may choose more than one business major or even a business major with a complementary non-business major, as long as you meet the specific requirements to enter the major.

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BWISE

To really excel as a business professional, you'll need to gain additional business wisdom outside the classroom. That's where BWISE (Business Wisdom through Intercultural, Service and Experiential Education) comes in.

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Bachelor's Plus Master's Program

With UD's Bachelor's Plus Master's (BPM) program, you can earn your bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace — often completing your master's degree within just one year of earning your bachelor's degree.

Explore the BPM Program

Academic and Career Advising

Want to pursue a double major or a minor? To use your business skills for humanitarian purposes? To gain real-world experience through an internship or cooperative education? Your holistic advisor will help you develop — and complete — your plan.

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Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
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Ready to Study Business Economics?

Let's get down to business. Now you know what we're about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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Business Economics (BSBA) Frequently Asked Questions

What is business economics, and how is it different from economics, finance or business analytics?

Business economics provides students with both analytical and theoretical skills to find creative solutions. Students complete the business core curriculum, giving them the background needed to apply economic methods to business problems.

While traditional economics focuses on broad societal policies, finance studies managing money and investments and business analytics handles the technical side of data processing, business economics teaches you how to apply economic theory directly to solve corporate problems.

What careers can students pursue with a business economics degree?

A business economics degree prepares students for a wide range of careers that combine data analysis, strategic thinking and business decision-making. Graduates often pursue roles such as:

  • business analyst
  • pricing analyst
  • economic or financial analyst
  • consultant
  • banking and financial services professional
  • market research analyst
  • public policy analyst

With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, business economics graduates are equipped to work across industries including finance, consulting, government, healthcare, technology and corporate business strategy.

What kinds of companies hire business economics graduates?

All types! Any company looking for analytically minded employees are interested in students with economics backgrounds. Students also place in government and some go to graduate school.

Is business economics more focused on analysis, business strategy or policy?

All three! Students will have graduated with coursework that enables them to conduct economic analysis, evaluate business strategy or design public policy. This includes courses like business forecasting, international economics, game theory and environmental economics.

How do business economics students get involved outside the classroom?

Business economics students at UD gain hands-on experience through opportunities that connect economics, finance and real-world problem-solving. Students can get involved in:

These experiences help students build analytical, leadership and communication skills while strengthening their resumes before graduation.

What research does business economics complete and in what areas?

All students complete a major, original research project as part of the program. Students get to pick their topic based on their studies or personal interests and projects have been all over. For example, forecasting trade surplus, evaluating how Broadway celebrities affect ticket sales and measuring the employment impact of factory closures. Students have the opportunity to present their original research during UD's Stander Symposium.

What skills will I gain as a business economics student?

Students will have technical skills in statistics and data, soft skills in communicating complex ideas and analytical skills related to evaluating business and policy decisions.