Business Economics
Build the analytical skills to make smarter business decisions in an increasingly data-driven world.
Why study Business Economics?
Successful businesses need leaders who can do more than rely on instinct. They need professionals who can analyze data, understand markets, evaluate risk, and make informed decisions.
That's why Wooster offers Business Economics instead of a traditional business major.
Business Economics combines economics, business strategy, finance, and quantitative analysis to help you understand how organizations compete, innovate, and grow. You'll learn to solve real business challenges through data-driven decision making while building the analytical and leadership skills employers value across industries.
Whether you're interested in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, or business analytics, you'll graduate prepared to think strategically and confidently in a rapidly changing business environment.
Analyze Business Challenges
Use economic reasoning, data, and strategy to understand how organizations make better decisions.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Build expertise in analytics, finance, quantitative reasoning, and strategic thinking.
Apply Your Learning
Gain practical experience through consulting projects, internships, investment management, and Independent Study.
Learn business by solving real problems.
Business Economics students don't just study business theory. They apply it.
Through case studies, simulations, research, and faculty mentorship, you'll learn how organizations raise capital, manage financial risk, respond to changing markets, develop new products, and make strategic decisions.
Students interested in finance can also participate in the Jenny Investment Club, one of the oldest student-managed investment organizations in the United States. Members help manage a portfolio valued at more than $15 million, gaining real investment experience while helping support international student scholarships.

Outside the classroom, you'll have opportunities to:
Complete paid consulting projects through the Applied Methods and Research Experience (AMRE) program.
Pursue internships through APEX and Career Services.
Explore new ventures through the Center for Entrepreneurship.
Conduct original research through your yearlong Independent Study.
Learn directly from CEOs, entrepreneurs, Federal Reserve leaders, and other executives through the Wilson Lecture Series.
Featured Courses
Explore today's business landscape through courses such as:
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing
- Data Analytics in Business and Decision Making
- Business Analytics
- Ethics and Business
- Strategic Management
- Agency Economics
Independent Study
Research the business questions that interest you most.
Every Business Economics major completes a yearlong Independent Study.
Working one-on-one with a faculty mentor, you'll investigate a business or economic question of your choosing while applying the analytical, quantitative, and strategic skills you've developed throughout the major.
Many students present their research at professional conferences or use their projects to strengthen graduate school and career opportunities.
Ready to Explore Business Economics?
Whether you see yourself leading a company, launching a startup, analyzing financial markets, or helping organizations solve complex challenges, Business Economics at Wooster prepares you to make informed decisions and create lasting impact.
Career Opportunities
Business Economics graduates build careers across business, finance, technology, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Business consulting
- Finance
- Investment management
- Banking
- Corporate strategy
- Business analytics
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology
- International business
Many also continue to graduate study in business, economics, law, and related fields.
Where Our Alumni Go?
Business Economics graduates have launched careers with organizations including:
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Progressive Insurance
- Capital One
- JPMorgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
They've also built successful careers with companies such as John Deere, S&P Global, and Analysis Group, while others have founded their own businesses and consulting firms, including Lyft, Female Angels, Kestada Strategy Consultants, and E2ESP Software Development.

Scholarships & Student Opportunities
Business Economics students have access to opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom, including:
- Jenny Investment Club
- Wilson Lecture Series
- APEX internships
- AMRE consulting experiences
- Entrepreneurship programming
- Faculty-mentored research
Students may also benefit from departmental scholarships, research funding, and academic awards.

Meet Your Professors
Business Economics faculty combine active scholarship with personalized mentorship to help students connect economics, analytics, and business strategy. Throughout your time at Wooster, you'll work closely with professors who challenge you to think critically, ask better questions, and develop the skills to lead organizations in an increasingly data-driven world.
Jancy Ling Liu
Assistant Professor of Economics & Business Economics
jliu@wooster.edu
Melanie Long
Associate Professor of Economics & Business Economics; Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies
mlong@wooster.edu
Huiting Tian
James R. Wilson Chair in Business Economics
htian@wooster.edu
Amyaz A. Moledina
Professor of Economics; Global and International Studies and Co-Founder of the Social Entrepreneurship Program; Pre-Business Advisor
amoledina@wooster.edu
Colin Davison
Assistant Professor of Economics & Business Economics
cdavison@wooster.edu
Brooke Krause
Associate Professor of Economics & Business Economics
bkrause@wooster.edu
Philip Mellizo
Associate Professor of Economics; Business Economics
pmellizo@wooster.edu
Cathy Roche
Adjunct Instructor of Economics & Business Economics
Connect With the Department
Interested in Business Economics? We'd love to help you learn more about faculty mentorship, internships, consulting opportunities, and the many career paths this major can open.
Latest Business Economics News
Read about student research, internships, consulting projects, faculty scholarship, Independent Study, and department news.
