Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme blends core business education with concentrated study in economics. Core business subjects typically include accounting, finance, marketing and management to give a broad commercial context. Economics coursework covers microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, intermediate price theory, public finance and international economics.

Students develop quantitative and empirical skills through statistics, mathematical economics and econometrics, with applied classes emphasising data analysis and policy evaluation. Upper-level electives allow specialisation in areas such as labour economics, industrial organisation, development economics, monetary economics, behavioural economics and game theory.

Learning is reinforced through experiential elements: research projects, case studies, internships and a capstone or honours thesis option for students pursuing deeper research. Cross-disciplinary electives and study-abroad opportunities enable students to connect economic analysis with fields such as political science, sustainability and urban studies.

Entry requirements

Admission is through Loyola University Chicago's undergraduate process; applicants are evaluated on high school academic record, letters of recommendation, and an application personal statement. Strong preparation in mathematics (including calculus and statistics where available) and in writing is recommended.

Typical entry expectations include a competitive overall secondary school GPA and completion of a rigorous academic curriculum. Standardised tests may be considered according to the university's current admissions policy. Transfer students should have completed relevant college-level coursework in mathematics and introductory economics or business.

Career prospects

Graduates with a business degree and an economics major are well placed for a range of entry-level professional roles. Common destinations include economic and financial analyst positions, consulting, commercial banking, corporate strategy, and roles in government agencies or non-governmental organisations focused on policy and research.

Alumni also progress to specialised areas such as data analytics, risk management, market research, and economic consulting. Many graduates pursue further study — professional qualifications in finance or accounting, or postgraduate degrees in economics, business administration, public policy or law.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a Jesuit-inspired education that emphasises ethics, social justice and whole-person formation, which informs the teaching of economic issues and business practice. The university's location in Chicago provides proximity to a major financial and business hub, offering access to internships, employers and guest speakers across industries.

The university emphasises small-class learning, faculty mentorship and opportunities for applied learning through internships, community-engaged projects and undergraduate research. Students benefit from campus career services, alumni networks in the Chicago region and partnerships across Loyola's academic units that support interdisciplinary study.

Overall, the programme aims to produce graduates who can combine rigorous economic reasoning with practical business skills and an ethical perspective suited to public and private sector careers or further academic study.