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About the BA and BS in Economics Degree

Why Study Economics at Cedarville?

With Cedarville's distinctly Christian economics degree, you'll be prepared for success in a variety of careers. Choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) — if you're planning to attend graduate school, the BS option is ideal, while the BA offers flexibility for exploring other courses or adding a minor. Whichever you choose, you will study in a tradition of free market economics, focusing on the intersection of faith and economics.

Everyone lives and works in our market economy. Regardless of where you exercise your ministry — in private enterprise, the government, or in a church or missionary setting — you relate to many people, even people you don't know, through economic connections. Cedarville’s economics major will help you maximize these ministry opportunities while preparing you for a career in management or other general business vocations. You will leave with enhanced problem-solving abilities and an in-depth understanding of economic principles integrated with biblical truth.

If you're looking to study economics but don't want it to be your central focus, then Cedarville's economics minor may be for you! This minor will help instill the "economic way of thinking", even if economics isn't your major.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Bachelor's in Economics Program Highlights

Free Market Perspective — Cedarville professors provide a unique, free market perspective from an Austrian and classical liberal (the bedrock of conservative economic and political thought) foundation.

Biblical Integration — In Cedarville's economics major, your study will begin with a Christian anthropology, understanding that men and women are created in the image of God, yet are fallen. This perspective will help you understand which economic system best leads to human flourishing while also minimizing the harm that fallen human beings can do to one another.

Problem-Solving — Economics majors learn a particular method for problem-solving often referred to as the “economic way of thinking.” Employers value employees who are problem-solvers.

Broad-based Foundation — While the economics major is housed in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, major courses are taught not only by economics faculty but also by faculty from the Department of History and Government. Cedarville’s economics major focuses on political economy. Economics, political science, and history professors at Cedarville University blog at Bereans at the Gate.

Why Study Economics at Cedarville?

Cedarville takes a broad, traditional economics program and integrates it with a biblical worldview to make it the ideal place to study.

What Can You Do With an Economics Degree?

An economics degree from Cedarville will prepare you for success in a variety of careers. Although roles in management are the most common in business, economics majors are successful in banking, insurance, finance, nonprofit, and international relations, as well as academic roles. Governments at every level hire economists to manage and evaluate their operations.

Our students are also well prepared to go on to graduate school, potentially with scholarships that faculty members help steer them toward.

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that some professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

What Can You Do With an Economics Degree?

From public policy to grad school, discover what you can do with an economics degree from Cedarville.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Integrated Business Core (IBC) — Recognized by The Washington Post, this two-semester program allows students to integrate classroom learning with practical business experience. As part of a team, you’ll develop a business plan, obtain financing, market and sell a product, and donate your profits to a local charity.

Internships — You will gain valuable experience through internships at companies like JPMorgan Chase, as well as studying public policy through the Koch Fellowship program.

Berry Center for Free Enterprise — Engage with renowned business professionals through speaker series, gain hands-on experience by participating in various events, and explore numerous opportunities to get involved with free enterprise and entrepreneurship. These initiatives offered by Cedarville's Berry Center for Free Enterprise will deepen your understanding of the biblical basis for free markets and help equip you to make an impact for Christ in the business world. Explore the Berry Center for Free Enterprise

Student Organizations — You can choose to participate in business-related student organizations like:

  • A local chapter of the Executive Council with Values and Capitalism sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute
  • Economics Club — Students interested in political and economic events meet for discussion, fellowship, and fun. Students in the economics club are instrumental in facilitating on-campus political and economic events.
  • Student Leadership Team (SLT) — The SLT serves the Robert W. Plaster School of Business by building community among students and faculty, fostering relationships, and planning and executing events and programs.
  • Women in Business — Women in Business is an organization dedicated to helping women in professions learn more about reaching goals in careers, at home, and in service.

Related Videos

What is the Difference Between a BA and BS?

Consider your desired outcome first when choosing between a BA or BS in economics.

Why Are Free Markets Superior to Central Planning?

Learn how a free market economic perspective aligns with a Christian worldview, allowing individuals to flourish and maintain personal accountability.

Are Free Markets Biblical?

Examine how a free market economic perspective fits in with a biblical worldview.

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take basic business courses laying the foundation for successful integration into management and general business positions. Your economics core includes basic principles that are then expanded on and enhanced in intermediate theory classes.

Sample courses:

  • Comparative Economic Systems
  • Money and Financial Markets

Start Your Degree in High School!

Save time and money in college by taking dual enrollment courses now. Discover how you can complete your business degree up to a year early with the Dual Enrollment Pathway to Business.

Explore the Dual Enrollment Pathway

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
Professor standing in front of classroom teaching.

From Our Students:

  • I enthusiastically endorse enrolling in Cedarville's economics program. Under the instruction of very accomplished professors, the department nurtures a thought-provoking, stimulating environment that improved my own critical-thinking skills. Cedarville provides an economics education that is as engaging as it is scholarly, and I would highly recommend the economics major for any student interested in getting a head-start on maximizing his or her analytical skills.
    Michael McDonald, BA in Business Economics and Political Economics
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Jeffrey Haymond

Jeffrey Haymond, PhD

Dean, Robert W. Plaster School of Business; Professor of Economics

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Photo of Jared Pincin

Jared Pincin, PhD

Associate Professor of Economics

Contact

Photo of Galen Smith

Galen Smith, DMin

Professor Emeritus of Economics

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Photo of Bert Wheeler

Bert Wheeler, PhD

Professor of Economics

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Robert W. Plaster School of Business

Program News

  • Dallas Jenkins speaking about The Chosen 1920

    Maximizing Business Potential is the Focus of IMPACT 2024 Conference

    Making an impact is the focus of a high-powered business conference coming to southwest Ohio in October. The 2024 IMPACT Conference will feature a lineup of prominent speakers, including Dallas Jenkins, television writer, film director, and executive producer of The Chosen.
  • Financial Planning

    New Financial Planning Minor Opens Opportunities Through Competency and Character

    Cedarville University approved a new financial planning minor that will allow students to specialize and develop both competency and a character of integrity in their field. The new minor is available to any student. "We want to prepare students to not only think biblically but develop core competencies in the financial planning field. We want to prepare students who possess the character and professional aptitude to fulfill this need in society,” said Dr. John Tarwater, associate professor of finance.