Department of Economics
Mission
To equip students with analytical, data‑driven skills for understanding the economy, contributing to society, and launching their careers in the public and private sectors.
Programs
Career-focused Economics and Business Data Analytics undergraduate programs that offer accelerated pathways to a Master of Science in Economics or a Juris Doctor.
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Faculty
Accomplished economists and educators, bringing real-world insight into an engaging learning environment centered on student success.
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Advisory Board
The Economics Department Advisory Board, composed of alumni and distinguished industry leaders from across Northeast Ohio and the United States, provides student mentoring, scholarships, and strategic guidance to ensure that department programs remain relevant to today’s labor market.
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Welcome to the Department of Economics! Our programs emphasize applying economic theory and data analysis to real-world challenges in business and public policy. Our students build a strong analytical foundation and develop empirical and quantitative skills that prepare them for careers in business, government, and law. Through experiential learning, research opportunities, and engagement with faculty and alumni, students gain the skills to think critically and make evidence-based decisions.
We invite you to explore our website and learn how the Department of Economics can help you pursue a high-impact career in today’s data-driven, globally connected economy.
Additional Information and Programs
Our graduates find jobs upon graduation or pursue graduate school because of the strong market demand for business data analytics and economics majors.
About one-third of our undergraduates go into a graduate program and about two-thirds find analyst positions in degree relevant jobs within six months of graduation in organizations such as Goodyear, Progressive Insurance, KeyBank, FirstEnergy, the FBI, and Team NEO.
Students are provided strong support to get ready for the job market through The University of Akron's Career Services.
Students get paid while you gain on-the-job experience with employers in the region as part of the economics curriculum.
Employers get an opportunity to hire interns that have critical thinking skills and data analytic skills.
Every year, incoming and continuing Economics students can apply for the Lung-ho Lin Memorial Scholarship and the Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics.
Incoming Business Data Analytic majors can also apply for College of Business Scholarships.
The University of Akron provides affordable excellence for students and their families through many Scholarships and Grants for Undergraduates.
Economics students conduct their own independent research in their senior project as a capstone, which requires them to use statistical and data analysis to research an economic topic.
Economics students have received external recognition for their research through best paper awards, presentations of their capstone projects at professional conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed economic journals. Read some of the capstone projects.
The Ohio Economic Forum is an annual event hosted by the Department of Economics which discusses pressing issues related to Ohio’s economy.
The Grunberg Speaker Series was inaugurated in 1998 with Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon, delivering the first lecture to honors the late Emile Grunberg, professor emeritus and eminent scholar in the fields of economic methodology and the philosophy of science.
The UA Family Info Hub provides parents and families with checklists and guides to make the process of applying and starting school as painless as possible.
Our graduates find jobs upon graduation or pursue graduate school because of the strong market demand for business data analytics and economics majors.
About one-third of our undergraduates go into a graduate program and about two-thirds find analyst positions in degree relevant jobs within six months of graduation in organizations such as Goodyear, Progressive Insurance, KeyBank, FirstEnergy, the FBI, and Team NEO.
Students are provided strong support to get ready for the job market through The University of Akron's Career Services.
Students get paid while you gain on-the-job experience with employers in the region as part of the economics curriculum.
Employers get an opportunity to hire interns that have critical thinking skills and data analytic skills.
Every year, incoming and continuing Economics students can apply for the Lung-ho Lin Memorial Scholarship and the Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics.
Incoming Business Data Analytic majors can also apply for College of Business Scholarships.
The University of Akron provides affordable excellence for students and their families through many Scholarships and Grants for Undergraduates.
Economics students conduct their own independent research in their senior project as a capstone, which requires them to use statistical and data analysis to research an economic topic.
Economics students have received external recognition for their research through best paper awards, presentations of their capstone projects at professional conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed economic journals. Read some of the capstone projects.
The Ohio Economic Forum is an annual event hosted by the Department of Economics which discusses pressing issues related to Ohio’s economy.
The Grunberg Speaker Series was inaugurated in 1998 with Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon, delivering the first lecture to honors the late Emile Grunberg, professor emeritus and eminent scholar in the fields of economic methodology and the philosophy of science.
The UA Family Info Hub provides parents and families with checklists and guides to make the process of applying and starting school as painless as possible.
Student Testimonials
Matthew Chaffin
Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024
Strategy Research and Data Analyst, Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP)
"While pursuing my degree in Business Data Analytics at UA, my professors taught me how to analyze data and issues from the real world. The in-depth projects about critical economic issues set me up to attain an internship with Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). My education at UA gave me an edge over the other interns as I continued my internship until graduation while completing numerous projects for various GCP teams. My degree has given me the incredible opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the Greater Cleveland region."
Karleighana Jones
Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024
UA Women’s Volleyball Team, 2020-2024
Watch Karleighana reflect on her UA experience
The analytical, management, and soft skills I have mastered as a student-athlete at UA majoring in Business Data Analytics have positioned me to strategically help facilitate the development and growth of companies in various industries. The valuable knowledge, strategies, and practical hands-on experiences gained at UA are professional assets that will benefit me during my business career. I especially value my relationships with my volleyball community, classmates, professors, UA and CoB staff, community members, and friends. These are personal treasures that I will continue to foster throughout my life.
Logen Barrett
Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024
Pricing Analyst I, Progressive Corporation
Pursuing a degree in Business Data Analytics at UA has been life-changing. It has provided me with numerous opportunities to be successful after graduation. I interned with Equity Trust Company where the knowledge I learned in the classroom came to life, and I am graduating with a job offer at Progressive Corporation. As I continue my career, I will be forever grateful for the faculty of the economics department and all the opportunities the College of Business has given me!
Contact Us
Social Media Links
- The University of Akron College of Business
- 330-972-2568
- Send an email
- 259 S. Broadway St. Akron, OH 44325