The B.S.B.A. in Business Economics is an included program in the University's accreditation by AACSB International.

The B.S.B.A. in Business Economics is for students interested in economics as it applies to business and government organizations. The program provides students with a comprehensive view of the area of economics in business, allowing them to apply a set of analytical tools to understand the interrelations between the economy and the business environment under different market conditions.

Economics majors develop technical and analytical skills needed for policy oriented decisions in local and global markets, often based on analysis of fundamental resource allocations issues. Economists work in a broad range of areas that include in-depth inquiries, including the following: business strategy (Should we expand into a new market?); societal policies (What is the best way to fight environmental pollution?); and global issues (What rules should govern trade among nations?). Further inquiries are conducted into how trade is affected by the elimination of tariffs and quotas. Students in the B.S.B.A. in Economics actively participate in small projects, such as data analysis and forecasting, intended to provide them with hands-on experience in managerial decision making. Specific topics include healthcare, crime, finance, production, international trade, labor, taxation, politics, the environment, pricing strategies, regulation and deregulation, data analysis and forecasting, and many others.

Many Economics graduates choose to attend graduate school, thereby enhancing their career opportunities. A major in Economics provides outstanding preparation for the M.B.A. degree, and an Economics degree is regarded as an excellent background to study Law or to pursue a Master’s in Economics.

Economics students may choose from the following specializations: Comprehensive Economics and Global Economics.

Program Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the B.S.B.A. in Economics must meet the requirements listed below. A minimum course grade of “C” is required in all Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business prerequisites, major, and major-related courses.

Students should consult their academic advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites.

Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business BSBA Core

All students pursuing a BSBA major in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business must complete each of the following BSBA core courses with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better.

Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy

The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida is accredited by AACSB International, the highest level of accreditation available to a college or school of business. As such, the College believes that it is in the student's best interest to take all junior/senior level BSBA Core, Major, and Major-related courses at UWF. These courses are typically taught by academically or professionally qualified faculty members as defined in the College's policy on faculty qualifications.

Undergraduate transfer credit for degree programs in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is awarded consistent with specifications in the UWF Catalog and the requirements of Florida's Common Numbering System.

Normally, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business will not accept transfer credits as equivalent to UWF 3000/4000 level business-related courses from institutions not accredited by AACSB International.

Students should seek guidance from their Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business academic advisors on these matters.

Comprehensive Economics Specialization

This specialization prepares students for a broad range of career positions in economics. Students have a great deal of flexibility in structuring their program, subject to advisor approval.

General Education

In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements section of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum:

Economics B.S.B.A. majors should take the following courses to satisfy components of the General Education curriculum courses:

Multicultural Requirement

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.

There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan. 

Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites. 

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.

*

Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.

Lower Division Electives

Major

Comprehensive Economics Specialization

Major-Related

+

Courses included in the major GPA.

Global Economics Specialization

This specialization focuses on economic issues in an increasingly globalized market. Students are required to spend at least one semester at one of UWF’s partner universities abroad studying economics. This cultural, as well as educational, experience prepares students for positions in international economics and business. Students must complete a specific sequence of courses in this specialization, designed in conjunction with their advisor, at a partner university abroad. It is recommended, but not required, that during their lower division studies, students complete two additional courses in a foreign language beyond the university’s foreign language admission requirement.

General Education

In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements section of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum: 

Economics BSBA majors should take the following courses to satisfy components of the General Education curriculum courses:

Multicultural Requirement

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.

There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan. 

Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites. 

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.

*

 Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.

Lower Division Electives

Major

Global Economics Specialization

Major-Related 

+

Courses included in the major GPA.

Business Economics Minor

The Business Economics Minor, although accessible to any student, is designed for students with a business major other than Economics. The Business Economics Minor requires completion of 18 semester hours with a grade in each course of “C” or higher. Nine hours of 3000/4000 level economics courses must be taken at UWF.

Economic Policy Minor

The Minor in Economic Policy is designed for and only available to non-business majors. It gives students in a wide variety of majors the opportunity to add value to their major degree. It is especially appropriate for students who plan to enter law school or work in political or public policy-oriented career fields. The Economic Policy Minor requires completion of 15 semester hours with a grade of “C” or higher. Nine hours of 3000/4000 level economics courses must be taken at UWF.

Quantitative Economics Minor

The Minor in Quantitative Economics is available for all students and is designed for those who wish to learn about math-oriented applications of economic theory. It provides students in a wide variety of majors the opportunity to add value to their major degree. It is especially appropriate for students with strong mathematics interests who plan to build a career as an analyst in financial organizations.

The Quantitative Economics Minor requires completion of 18 semester hours with a grade of “C” or greater in each course. Nine hours of 3000/4000-level economic courses must be taken at UWF.