TV showing analytics in the Beacom Lab

Economics

Examine real-world scenarios related to resource allocation, wealth and incentives and gain the the skills to become an active leader.

Why Study Economics?

As an economics major at USD, you will learn to think creatively and collaborate effectively so you can solve the problems of our ever-changing world. Here you will find a variety of experiential learning opportunities ranging from internships at the Hill to study abroad trips to Europe. Our program provides you with rich experiences in and beyond the classroom so you can pursue your career in business, government, law or another public or administrative profession.

Become an effective solution maker by understanding human decision making and how it effects the world we live in as an economics major.


Degrees & Offerings

Economics (B.A., B.S.)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus and Sioux Falls

A degree in economics prepares you for careers in banking, government, financial transactions and more. Students obtaining a B.A. or B.S. in economics will complete the required foundational coursework from the College of Arts & Sciences.

Economics (B.B.A.)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus and Sioux Falls

A degree in economics prepares you for careers in banking, government, financial transactions and more. Students obtaining a B.B.A. in economics will complete the required foundational coursework from the Beacom School of Business.

Economics

Minor
  Vermillion Main Campus and Sioux Falls

A minor in economics will help you develop critical thinking and leadership skills that will serve you in any career. This program is a great complement to a variety of majors, including business administration, political science or non-profit management.

Economics Education

Minor
  Vermillion Main Campus and Sioux Falls

Business Administration (B.B.A/M.B.A.)

Accelerated Program
  Vermillion Main Campus and Sioux Falls

Business majors meeting requirements for entry into the Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program may opt to complete both the B.B.A and M.B.A. concurrently. Students who pursue this fast-track option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs. Permission to be awarded the undergraduate degree prior to the completion of the graduate degree is available.

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Student Opportunities

As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
Three Interns in a Board Room Having a Discussion.

The real-world experiences you gain through an internship will equip you with valuable skills that will set you apart after graduation. 

In the USD Beacom School of Business, you will benefit from a robust internship program that has placed students across the globe. You will gain rich experiential learning opportunities and will be able to apply the techniques you have learned in your courses to a real business setting. Plus, with our network of alumni around the world, you can access invaluable advice on how to achieve the career of your dreams.

Do you have your sights set on New York, Chicago, Germany, Hong Kong or Japan? The USD Beacom School of Business can help you get there. Our students have participated in conferences and faculty-led courses around the world, and our student aid helps make those experiences affordable.

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Beacom School of Business. You may be interested in joining Political Economy Club or Coyote Capital Management to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.

Explore Student Organizations

As an accounting student at USD, your faculty and peers will help you make connections between your academic experience and your career path. You will grow personally and professionally during your time on campus and your career development begins on the first day of class.

The Career Success Center has career development services to support students every step of the way. You will build relationships with alumni, employers and graduate schools to optimize your internship, job and career opportunities. These partnerships assist you in developing co-curricular experiences that will help to ensure you are successful in your future pursuits.

Learn More

USD offers a range of scholarships for students, including scholarships specifically for business administration majors. The Beacom School of Business strives to recognize and reward outstanding students for their accomplishments and potential through scholarships and travel funding.

Learn More

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in economics and decision sciences.
A professor pointing and explaining equations.

Economics and Decision Sciences

Analyzing and applying data is both one of the greatest opportunities and challenges modern business professionals face, and USD's Division of Economics and Decision is there to help you embrace that challenge head on.

Faculty & Staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing Division. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in training and development, emotional intelligence and management.
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Carr

David Carr Ph.D.

Chair-ECON & DSCI

Specialty

Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael Allgrunn

Michael Allgrunn

Professor

Specialty

Econometrics, Labor Economics, Analytics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chad Birger

Chad Birger

Instructor

Specialty

Data Analytics
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Englund

David Englund

Lecturer ECON
Bio Image for Faculty Member Bartlomiej Hanus

Bartlomiej Hanus

Associate Professor

Specialty

Computer or Management Information Systems
Bio Image for Faculty Member Marek Kolinski

Marek Kolinski

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Supply Chain/ Transport/ Logistics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Yi Liu

Yi Liu

Asst. Professor of DS

Specialty

Supply Chain/ Transport/ Logistics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Thomas Tiahrt

Thomas Tiahrt

Assoc Prof Decision Sciences

Specialty

All Other Options
Bio Image for Faculty Member Daniel Tracy

Daniel Tracy

Professor

Specialty

Production/Operations Management
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sebastian Wai

Sebastian Wai

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Industrial Organization, Econometrics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
Bio Image for Faculty Member Mandie Weinandt

Mandie Weinandt

Director of CTL

Specialty

Statistics,Economics/ Managerial Economics
A Beacom student proudly shakes hands with the Dean of the Beacom school of Business

Gain Real-World Experience

The Beta Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society in economics, was established at USD on April 18, 1976. Membership in Omicron Delta Epsilon signifies outstanding scholastic performance in economics. The society's journal, The American Economist, provides publishing opportunities for the young scholar.
A room filled with business students

Network and Navigate Your Dream Career

Beacom School of Business invites the business community to stay current on business issues through guest speakers, events and networking opportunities that occur throughout the year. We also invite interest from the business, government and not-for-profit community regarding potential partnerships that offer mutual benefits such as:


  • Presentations, panels and discussions
  • Student connections, internships and recruiting opportunities
  • Engagement with faculty to share expertise and expand research
  • Support for scholarships and other business school initiatives

Surprisingly Affordable

USD offers low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, as well as scholarships, financial aid and employment opportunities to help make your education even more affordable.

Undergraduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees. 

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Scholarships

USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.



student success story

Success story Pooja Modawel smiling.
I really like how approachable the Economics and Operational Analytics faculty is and how they are willing to help me out with my concerns. The career planning facility offered by Beacom assisted me with updating and revising my resume. They even prepared me for job interviews that helped me get an internship with Amazon.

Pooja Modawel

B.B.A. Economics, Operational Analytics '22
New Delhi, India

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