Employers, especially business firms who are looking for liberal arts graduates, often favor economics majors because these students have been through rigorous training. The demands of majoring in economics tend to attract ambitious, bright students. Thus, a degree in economics is a valuable credential. The salaries of economists, both academic and nonacademic, tend to be higher than those of other social scientists.

Students who select this emphasis must satisfy the College of Business Administration (CBA) admission requirements before they can officially declare their major. A copy of the Admission, Retention, and Graduation Policy may be obtained from UNI Business Advising (CBB 5) in the College of Business Administration. Prior to completion of the admission requirements, students may sign an intent to major in Economics/Business Economics and be classified as a prospective (pre)major. Pre-Economics/Business Economics majors may enroll in lower division (below 100/2000/3000/4000-level) business courses only.