Bachelor's Degree in Economics (Business)
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
Our Economics bachelor’s degree is designed for curious, analytical thinkers who want to understand how markets work, why policies matter, and how data drives decision-making. Whether you're drawn to business, government, or global affairs, this program equips you with the tools to analyze economic systems and influence real-world outcomes. Ideal for students seeking careers as economic analysts, financial consultants, policy advisors, or researchers in fields such as finance, consulting, public policy, and international development.
Program Overview
Explore the forces that shape economies, influence behavior, and guide decision-making in a world of scarce resources. Our Economics program combines core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative analysis with opportunities to apply theory to real-world problems. You'll build strong analytical and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects, data-driven research, and policy analysis. Whether your path leads to finance, consulting, government, or graduate school in economics, law, or business, this program prepares you to think critically, act strategically, and lead in an ever-changing world.
An economics degree equips you with a powerful set of in-demand skills across three core areas:
- Qualitative Communication – Learn to clearly express ideas through writing, class discussions, and teamwork, strengthening your ability to connect with diverse audiences.
- Quantitative Communication – Gain comfort with numbers, graphs, and data, and develop the ability to interpret and explain quantitative information.
- Analytical Problem Solving – Master the economist’s way of thinking: breaking down complex problems, identifying key components, and using logic to find solutions.
Our Accreditation
The Gatton College of Business and Economics has been accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1926. Similarly, the accounting programs within the Von Allmen School of Accountancy have been accredited by AACSB International since 1988 soon after AACSB began offering separate accreditation for accounting programs. Accreditation by AACSB has been earned by less than 5% of the world's business programs and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.
Related Careers
Business & Finance
- Financial Analyst / Investment Analyst
- Analyze financial data and market trends to guide business and investment decisions.
- Budget / Credit / Risk Analyst
- Evaluate budgets, creditworthiness, and financial risks for firms or government agencies.
- Financial Planner / Wealth Advisor
- Help individuals and families plan for retirement, savings goals, and financial security.
- Corporate Strategist / Management Consultant
- Advise organizations on improving performance, cutting costs, and achieving strategic goals.
Data & Analytics
- Data Analyst / Business Intelligence Analyst
- Use data analysis and visualization tools to extract insights for business or policy decisions.
- Market Research Analyst
- Study consumer behavior and market trends to improve product, pricing, and marketing strategies.
- Operations / Supply Chain Analyst
- Analyze business processes, logistics, and costs to enhance efficiency and output.
Public Policy & Government
- Policy Analyst / Legislative Assistant
- Evaluate policy proposals, legislation, and socioeconomic issues for lawmakers or agencies.
- Public Sector Economist / Government Researcher
- Analyze economic data to support decisions on labor markets, taxation, and infrastructure.
- Regulatory / Antitrust / Tax Economist
- Assess the impact of regulation, taxes, or mergers on competition and economic efficiency.
- Urban / Regional Planner
- Use demographic and economic data to guide land use, infrastructure, and city planning.
- Environmental / Energy Economist
- Evaluate climate, pollution, and energy policies using economic cost-benefit analysis.
- International Trade / Development Specialist
- Support global economic strategy and trade policy for governments or international organizations.
Consulting & Applied Economics
- Economic Consultant / Litigation Support
- Apply economic theory and data analysis to legal, business, or regulatory challenges.
- Actuary
- Use statistics and economics to assess risk in insurance, pensions, and financial planning.
Education & Research
- Academic Economist / PhD Researcher
- Conduct theoretical and empirical research and teach economics at the university level.
- Think Tank / Nonprofit Research Analyst
- Study and report on economic and social issues to influence policy and public discourse.
- Federal Reserve / Census / Intelligence Analyst
- Analyze trends in economic data, population, or trade for use in national planning and security.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Economics" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
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Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Discover your Future
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