BSBA in Economics & Finance

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Alabama

Program Overview

The BSBA in Economics & Finance at the University of South Alabama combines economic theory, financial management and quantitative analysis to help students understand how markets operate and how organisations make financial decisions. Students can develop expertise through concentrations in Economics, Finance or Real Estate, preparing for careers in banking, investment analysis, corporate finance, economic research and financial planning.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a foundation in business, economics and quantitative reasoning through introductory business coursework and general education subjects. Principles of Microeconomics (ECO 215) and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECO 216) introduce market behaviour, resource allocation, economic growth and the broader forces influencing businesses and financial markets.

Second Year: Students progress into business fundamentals and quantitative analysis, developing the skills needed to understand financial information and evaluate organisational decisions. Coursework in business finance, accounting, management and economics provides a foundation for advanced study in financial markets, investment decisions and economic analysis.

Third Year: Students deepen their economic and financial knowledge through Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 315), Financial Statement Analysis and Corporate Strategy (FIN 350) and Intermediate Business Finance (FIN 410). Students in the Finance concentration also study Investments (FIN 420), developing skills in evaluating securities, analysing corporate performance and making financial decisions.

Fourth Year: Students advance their specialisation through subjects such as Advanced Business Finance (FIN 411), Money Markets and Financial Institutions (FIN 343) and approved finance electives. They can also explore Student Managed Investment Fund I and II (FIN 425 and FIN 426) and complete an eligible internship, applying classroom knowledge to investment analysis and professional financial practice.

Focus Areas

Financial management, economics, investment analysis, corporate finance, financial statement analysis, banking, financial institutions, capital markets, financial planning, econometrics and real estate finance.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse economic trends and financial markets, evaluate investment opportunities, interpret financial statements, apply economic reasoning to business decisions, assess financial risks, understand banking and financial institutions, use quantitative analysis and communicate financial recommendations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Mitchell College of Business offers business education through its Economics, Finance and Real Estate department. The program catalog does not establish a separate professional accreditation for the BSBA in Economics & Finance; students interested in professional finance qualifications should check the requirements of their intended certification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of South Alabama offers practical learning opportunities through its business curriculum, internship options and student-managed investment fund courses. A specific employability ranking, finance-specific graduate employment rate or verified graduate salary figure is not stated in the program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSBA in Economics & Finance with a concentration in Economics at the University of South Alabama emphasizes economic analysis, research, and practical business skills. Through experiential learning courses and internship opportunities, students can connect economic theory with real-world business and financial applications.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available to students in this program:

Internships: Students may complete an approved economics internship through ECO 496, gaining practical experience in a relevant professional setting.
Professional Experience Courses: Courses such as BUS 101, BUS 201, BUS 301, and BUS 302 provide opportunities to develop professional skills and prepare for the workplace.
Economic Research: Courses such as ECO 453 Econometrics help students develop quantitative and analytical skills for examining economic data.
Applied Projects: Students can apply economic concepts and analytical methods to business and economic problems through relevant coursework.
Data Analysis: Economics coursework supports the development of skills in interpreting data, evaluating economic trends, and conducting quantitative analysis.
Library and Academic Resources: University learning resources support coursework, independent study, and economic research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing the BSBA in Economics & Finance at the University of South Alabama prepares students for careers in finance, banking, investment analysis, and economic research. Graduates develop analytical and financial decision-making skills that can support opportunities across business and financial services.

- University Services: Career services can support students with career planning, job-search preparation, and professional development. The program also includes professional experience courses and opportunities to pursue a finance internship.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Program-specific employment rates and starting salary figures are not stated in the official program information.

- University–Industry Partnerships: The curriculum includes practical financial analysis and investment-focused coursework, including the Student Managed Investment Fund. Students may also gain workplace experience through an approved internship.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The Mitchell College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, reflecting recognized standards in business education.

- Graduation Outcomes: Potential career paths include financial analyst, investment analyst, credit analyst, economic research assistant, and corporate finance associate. Specific graduate employment outcomes for this program are not published in the official program information.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate study in finance, economics, financial analytics, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These qualifications can support further specialization and progression toward roles in financial management, investment research, and economic analysis.