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Economics and Business Combined Major

Drexel University’s STEM-designated Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business, housed in the School of Economics at the LeBow College of Business, examines the functional fields of business while building a foundation in economics, so students graduate with a unique combination of business acumen and quantitative, analytical skills. You’ll learn to apply economic reasoning and evidence-based analysis to business challenges.

Why Study Economics and Business at Drexel LeBow?

Organizations need professionals who can interpret data, evaluate complex problems and make informed business decisions. The BS in Economics and Business combines economic theory with business practice to prepare you for careers where analytical thinking and strategic decision making go hand in hand.

Drexel LeBow’s BS in Economics and Business:

  • Combines economics and business coursework to prepare you for evidence-based organizational decision making.
  • Builds expertise in quantitative analysis, economic reasoning and data-driven problem solving.
  • Develops a strong foundation in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and business analytics alongside economics.
  • Integrates analytical and AI- enabled tools throughout the curriculum to strengthen digital fluency.
  • Prepares you to communicate insights effectively and translate complex information into business solutions.
Faster Than Average

Projected employment growth in business and financial occupations from 2024 to 2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$89,364

Average starting salary

School of Economics' Class of 2024

Inside the Economics and Business Curriculum

The curriculum builds proficiency through a coordinated set of core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, alongside foundational business coursework in accounting, marketing, finance, operations and analytics.

Throughout the program, students develop skills in critical reasoning, problem solving, data analysis and effective communication.

Courses are designed to help students integrate and translate knowledge across disciplines, enabling them to adapt to the changing demands of modern organizations. Instruction incorporates emerging technologies, including analytical and AI based tools, so that students develop practical digital fluency in addition to traditional economic and business competencies.

Review the Degree Requirements
View a Sample Plan of Study

Course Highlights Include
ECON 3338: Industrial Organization

This course is the study of how firms strategically compete within an industry and the policies governments use to regulate those industries for the social good. The subject touches on many aspects of economics more broadly and draws heavily on microeconomics, game theory, and econometrics. Topics include the boundaries of the firm, competition and monopolies, collusion, pricing tactics, entry, vertical integration (supply chain), mergers, product differentiation, advertising and programming and query languages, among others. The subject matter features “thinking like an economist” in many respects. As an elective, it provides additional depth for interested students. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.

ECON 3330: Managerial Economics

This course covers applied economics relevant for business decision-making processes. Emphasizes profit management, demand and cost analysis, pricing, and government policy. As an elective, it provides additional depth for interested students. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.

ORGB 2300: Organizational Behavior

This course provides conceptual understanding of various principles of management and organizational processes and the opportunity for skill-building in the areas of individual, interpersonal, and intergroup organizational behaviors. Students will learn the key building blocks of communication and collaboration for career success.

ECON 2250: Game Theory and Applications

This course offers a systematic introduction to game theory, the study of strategic interaction among individuals and organizations. Students will learn core concepts such as strategies, beliefs, and equilibrium in both static and dynamic settings. Applications span economics, politics, business, psychology and modern digital environments. By the end of the course, students will develop analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills, learn to model strategic situations formally, and practice applying theoretical tools to real-world contexts.

MGMT 3450: Strategy and Competitive Advantage

Provides an integrated approach to business planning. Develops strategic analysis and decision-making through examination of an organization’s internal and external environment, and integration of learning from other business disciplines. Requires written and oral case reports. Students will learn how to integrate multiple streams of knowledge to solve complex business problems from a strategic management point of view.

Drexel LeBow Student on Co-op

Drexel Co-op and Experience

Through the Drexel Co-op program, students alternate classroom learning with full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, you can gain as much as 18 months of practical experience while building professional networks, developing career clarity and applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Up to 18 months of experience

Graduate with as much as 18 months of experience in the workplace

$20

Median co-op hourly pay for economics and business majors

45%

of co-op students received a full-time job offer from their co-op employer

LeBow Class of 2024

Our students have done their co-ops in a variety of organizations, both locally and around the world.

Past economics and business co-op placements include:

BlackRock; Chubb; FMC; Wolters Kluwer; Lexerd Capital; Management

Beyond Co-op

Co-op is just one way to gain real-world experience at LeBow. Many students also expand their experience through consulting courses, case competitions, research projects, international residencies, industry events, alumni mentorship and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Many of these opportunities are made possible through the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning, where students work on real and simulated projects with industry partners. Partners have included organizations such as Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing, PwC, and nonprofit and governmental agencies.

Malinka Ranasinghe

The research aspects of so many of my classes really prepared me for this position with EY. I loved that it was not just theory, it was real world. You would read a paper about some real problem that is going on and then see the theory in action.

Malinka Ranasinghe ’16

Tax Staff

EY

Read more about Malinka

What Can You Do With an Economics and Business Degree?

Graduates are prepared for careers across the public, private and nonprofit sectors where analytical thinking and evidence-based decision making are valued. Depending on your interests, you may pursue opportunities in:

  • Business analytics
  • Consulting
  • Marketing
  • Policy analysis
  • Applied research

The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in economics, business, public policy, law and related fields.

Learn more careers opportunities in economics

Common Questions About the Economics and Business Degree Program
What types of students are a good fit for the economics and business combined major?

This program is a great fit for students who enjoy understanding how people, businesses and markets make decisions. If you’re interested in combining economics, business strategy and data analysis to solve real-world problems, you’ll develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed to evaluate complex challenges and make evidence-based decisions.

What’s the difference between a traditional economics degree and the BS in Economics and Business?

While a traditional economics degree focuses primarily on economic theory and analysis, the BS in Economics and Business combines that foundation with coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and business analytics. You’ll learn to apply economic reasoning within business settings, preparing you to solve organizational challenges and make informed decisions across a variety of industries.

Will I learn data analysis and AI tools in this program?

Yes. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative methods, econometrics and data analysis while incorporating emerging analytical and AI- enabled tools throughout the program. You’ll develop the digital fluency employers value alongside strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Take the Next Step

All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Find the information you need to plan for your education through Drexel Central. Review tuition and fees, estimate the cost of attendance, and explore financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans and payment options.

Connect with Us

Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Caitlin Brady

Director, Undergraduate Programs and Recruitment

(215) 571-3570

Gerri C. LeBow Hall 333