What can you do with a business economics degree from a liberal arts college?

The College of Wooster provides a rigorous business program within the context of the liberal arts. Companies seek graduates that develop broad analytical and writing skills that can be applied across a range of contexts. Since our program trains students to use data to generate business insights in diverse settings, business economics majors have found immediate success in the private sector. Students who are focused on a career in finance are mentored to select electives and internships to prepare for the Series 7 “General Securities Representative” exam. Where have Wooster Business Economics majors landed their first jobs? Merrill Lynch, Ernst & Young, Citigroup, Key Bank, Capital One, Quicken Loans, Bank of America, GE Capital, Brattle Group, NBC Golf Channel, Square Trade, Chime, not to mention a large number of multinational companies like Royal Dutch Shell and Microsoft, as well as regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Commodity Futures Training Commission and the Federal Reserve Bank. About half the graduates of the business economics program at Wooster eventually earn advanced degrees in business, law, accounting, actuarial science, and other fields. Alumni of this program are CEOs, CFOs, and group vice presidents at some of the world’s largest companies.

Business Economics at The College of Wooster

The Business Economics major uses quantitative methods and economic theory to analyze business enterprises, their decisions, and the factors that contribute to the diversity of organizational structures around the globe. Our offerings develop a sophisticated understanding of business operation and an appreciation for the social and economic complexities of the world in which firms operate. The Business Economics major is provided within the Economics department. Unlike a traditional business program, Business Economics majors gain a rigorous understanding of economic theory and quantitative methods that can be applied to contemporary problems in finance, management, and all aspects of a business including human resources, marketing, innovation, corporate responsibility, and strategy. This training is why the Board of Trustees entrusted $2 Million of Wooster’s Endowment to the student-run Jenny Investment Club (JIC). While the club is open to all majors, many business economics students have used the skills they learned in class to become (student) Trustees. They participate actively in one of the oldest student-run investment clubs. The current value of the JIC’s portfolio exceeds $10 million. Mentored by a diverse PhD. faculty with different backgrounds, students are exposed to global and international business issues within and outside the department in courses or international internships. While accounting is required, students are also mentored to explore electives in marketing, ethics, finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy. Combining internships, project based learning, real investment experience, and courses, the major prepares students to enter the business world directly after graduation.

Outside the Classroom

Jenny Investment Club

The JIC, founded in 1955, is a student-managed investment portfolio currently valued around $10.1 million. The group meets weekly and works to generate funding for the College’s scholarship program. The program is for all students, including those new to investing.

Applied Methods and Research Experience (AMRE)

The Applied Methods and Research Experience (AMRE) gives College of Wooster students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in the role of business and organizational consultants. For eight weeks of the summer, student teams and faculty advisors are paired with a (usually local) business, industry, or agency (client). Student participants are exposed to practical applications of their liberal arts education in a “real world” setting. This experience aids students in determining professional interests and developing professional skills. The faculty advisors have the opportunity to be involved with a very select group of students in a summer activity, while potentially contributing to research in applied fields. Clients have the opportunity to tangibly support education and, at a low cost, obtain solutions to problems that would most likely not be addressed internally.

Faculty & Staff

Colin Davison

Assistant Professor of Economics & Business Economics

cdavison@wooster.edu

Brooke Krause

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Economics & Business Economics

bkrause@wooster.edu

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

Moses Luri

Assistant Professor of Economics and Statistical and Data Sciences (On Leave for Fall 2024)

mluri@wooster.edu

Philip Mellizo

Associate Professor of Economics; Business Economics

pmellizo@wooster.edu

Amyaz Moledina

Professor of Economics & Business Economics and Department Chair of Global & International Studies; Co-Founder of Social Entrepreneurship Program

amoledina@wooster.edu

Cathy Roche

Adjunct Instructor of Economics & Business Economics

Mary Spencer

Administrative Coordinator, Notary Public - Economics and Business Economics, Education, Psychology

mspencer@wooster.edu

Huiting Tian

James R. Wilson Chair in Business Economics

htian@wooster.edu

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