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Why our Economics Program is for You!
About the Program
Career-Focused Areas of Study
Economics is more than money and markets—it’s about understanding incentives, choices, and the forces shaping society.
MSU Denver’s B.S. in Economics provides a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and quantitative skills, preparing students for careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
The program equips graduates with the essential tools for their professional roles, from policy and finance to international trade and economic development. With ten interdisciplinary concentrations, students can customize their studies to align with their career goals and interests, gaining the analytical expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges.
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View Econ B.S. Course Catalog
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Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver
MSU Denver economics professors noted experts in areas such as the global markets and macro-monetary theory. They will give you the opportunity to conduct research that can be submitted to the annual MSU Denver Undergraduate Research Conference, and even co-author published journal articles, enhancing your marketability after you graduate.
The Department of Economics’ Exploring Economic Freedom Project brings eminent scholars to MSU Denver to discuss the role of economic and political freedom in promoting entrepreneurship, economic growth, prosperity and peace. The project also provides funding for senior Economics students to present their research related to economic freedom at the Association for Private Enterprise Education’s annual research conference.
Should you get a B.S. or B.A. in Economics?
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Curriculum Focus: The BA in Economics offers a broad, interdisciplinary approach that examines economic issues through multiple academic lenses, making it especially suitable for students with interests in academic research, policy development, government service, or non-profit work. This program is well designed to prepare students who want to pursue graduate studies not only in economics, but also in law, political science, sociology, finance, public administration, and public policy. While the program provides theoretical frameworks and policy applications, students planning for graduate studies are advised to supplement their coursework with additional mathematics and statistics classes. In contrast, the BS in Economics is specifically designed for students intending to enter the business world directly after graduation, focusing on practical, applied knowledge and analytical skills with immediate professional relevance. The BS program offers specialized concentrations aligned with industry needs and is structured to meet employer expectations in corporate settings, financial institutions, and consulting firms. Although business-oriented, students pursuing a BS are also well prepared for pursuing graduate education, particularly in fields that value quantitative analysis and business acumen. Both programs deliver comprehensive economic foundations, but differ primarily in their ultimate focus—the BA being more academic and policy-oriented, while the BS is tailored toward business applications and workforce preparation.
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Course Requirements: While specific course requirements may vary, B.S. programs typically require more advanced mathematics and quantitative courses compared to B.A. programs.
- B.A. grads tend to pursue policy, education, market research, and qualitative economic roles.
- B.S. grads are more likely to enter technical, quantitative, and data-heavy fields like finance, analytics, and actuarial science.
- Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MS in Data Analytics, or Ph.D. in Economics) can further expand career options for both.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities for Our Graduates
A degree in economics opens doors to a wide range of career paths in finance, government, business, and entrepreneurship. Graduates are equipped with strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills that make them valuable in various industries. With a growing demand for data-driven decision-making, economics graduates are well-prepared for success in a rapidly evolving job market.
Career Paths Include:
Alumni at Work
MSU Denver Economics graduates have worked for Morgan Stanley, CoreFirst Bank & Trust, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Denver Public Schools, Level 3 Communications, the State of Colorado, Great West Financial, U.S. Bank and Presbyterian Health Care Services.
They have also pursued advanced degrees from universities including American University’s Washington College of Law, Harvard Law School, CU Denver and Regis.
AACSB Accreditation
Only 6% of the world’s business programs are AACSB-accredited and MSU Denver’s College of Business is one of them.
AACSB accreditation represents the gold standard for business education worldwide. When you attend an AACSB-accredited program, you know that it’s passed AACSB’s rigorous standards.
Contact the Department of Economics
Address:
Department of Economics
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Administration Building, Suite 530
Campus Box 77
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Dept. Phone:
(303) 615-0111