People centered. Data focused.
Studying economics is a bridge to solving real-world problems as you gain an understanding of how to use economic tools in the context of history, politics, global studies, business, data, and decision making.
Economics provides the tools to understand critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, labor markets, economic development, international trade and finance, and the environment.
Because the degree demonstrates your ability to analyze and work comfortably with data, and apply it in a way to benefit people, career opportunities are broad and deep. Corporations, nonprofits, tech companies, and government agencies are all interested in graduates with training in economics.
Survey after survey, such as The Wall Street Journal, Payscale, and Glassdoor, rank economics in the top 10 for high starting salaries. Economics is amongst the majors most commonly thought of as “high-salary” such as engineering, IT, and healthcare and outranks business because of its broader, people-based nature and its focus on data.

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Department News
- Department Helps Bring Economics to Local High SchoolFaculty work with teachers at Shorewood High School to provide college credit.
- The Niho Excellence Fund Supports ResearchThe Department benefited greatly from the Niho Research Excellence Fund in 2023-2024.
- Geoengineering Research by Professor McGintyThe UWM L&S In Focus reviewed recent research by Professor Matthew McGinty.
- Team Econ does the Panther ProwlA few members of last year's Team Econ do the Panther Prowl 5k in person.
Department Events
- Feb28February 28, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- Mar7March 7, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- Mar14March 14, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm