Dept. of Economics and Finance - Lutgert College of Business

Invest in your future at FGCU

The skills you learn in analysis and business add up to marketable career

The study of economics prepares students for the job market and/or graduate school by providing broad and deep training in the field and by developing skills in critical thinking and analysis. An economics degree opens the door to a wide range of business entities and lays a foundation for success in graduate programs in business, social science and law.

Course work includes both theory and application and is designed to build and develop student assessments of the world through an economics lens.

Industries that highly value the undergraduate degree in economics include banking and finance, economic journalism, law, business, government service and non-university teaching.

The idea that you are limited to a few specific jobs if you major in economics is not true. Those who major in economics possess mathematical and analytical skills. They are very marketable.

The study of finance develops the skills necessary for success in domestic and global financial environments.

Finance is one of the most popular academic majors, and part of its appeal stems from its practicality. A recent study at Georgetown University found that the average student with a bachelor’s degree in finance earned an annual salary of $73,000.

Students who have a knack for working with numbers and want to pursue a career with excellent job prospects might be interested in studying finance. The program’s goal at FGCU is to prepare students for entry-level and leadership positions in areas such as financial management, banking, investments and real estate.

Core elements of the program are appropriate use of technology, and the study of new organizational structures, entrepreneurial thinking and international awareness.

“Although I don't have a traditional path as an economics graduate, I loved the program because it was well-rounded and gave me the foundation to apply myself in any career path. The economics program taught me to be a better critical thinker, use analytical reasoning, and improve my research skills. All of which help me today as a UX researcher! Also, my favorite part of the program was that it changed how I viewed the world around me significantly. It taught me to be more of a curious and independent thinker and a lot of the social and economic problems that surrounded me made even more sense once I began my studies.”

Jessica Augustin

B.S. in Economics (2020), UX Designer and Researcher, Operations Assistant at Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry

“Through the program, I found out that Economics is far more than what it seems. You might go in thinking you’ll learn about the economics behind successful businesses or even nations, but you will come out understanding far beyond that, how human behavior (which is dictated by so many factors) affects all our decisions. You will learn the ripples of seen and unseen effects, often initially counterintuitive, those decisions have on society. There is plenty of interesting things to learn, and this program will equip you with the knowledge for a range of careers beyond the realm of economics.”

Natasha Cabernite

B.S. in Economics (2019), Economic Development Specialist at Kitson & Partners

“The economics program at FGCU has some of the most engaging courses being taught by some of the best professors I have ever had. Although slightly challenging, I found myself enjoying each class more than the last. So much so, that I changed majors to include economics as a second major.”

James Webb

B.S. in Economics and B.S in Finance (2021), Specialist, Trading and Trade Support, Charles Schwab

“I think the economics program at FGCU was challenging, but a challenge that was honorable and very much worth it. It’s definitely provided an edge and advantage for jobs as majority of companies want individuals to think outside the box.”

Martha Tinoco

B.S. in Economics (2019), Trust Accounting Associate at Midland Trust

"Best program and professors in all of SWFL. I am so happy I choose FGCU and the economics program. Best decision I have made!"

Rosi Martinez

B.S. in Economics (2019), MBA (2021), Mortgage Originator at Busey Bank

Who we are

Get acquainted with the whole team and our trusted community advisors.

Faculty/Staff Directory Executive Council

What we offer

Explore our degree programs deeper to find your true calling.

Economics (B.S.)FINANCE (B.S.)Economics Minor Real Estate Minor

Involvement beyond the classroom

Explore student and professional organizations for Economics & Finance students.

Beta Alpha Psi

Honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals.

Economic Student Association

Opportunities and experiences to help students with their academic and career development.

Global Business Brigades (GBB)

Volunteers empower small businesses in rural communities to become more economically stable.

IMA Student Chapter (IMA-SC)

Achieve both personal and professional development in the fields of Accounting and Finance.

Omicron Delta Epsilon, FGCU Chapter

International honor society for economics, with nearly 700 chapters around the world.

Apply to FGCU

The International Business Association (IBA)

Aims to promote cultural exchange throughout the FGCU campus in a professional academic setting.

Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL)

Largest career student business organization in the world.

Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab

Keep an eye on Wall Street all day long. With live stock tickers sponsored by Bloomberg, you will always be aware of the latest movers and shakers in the market.

Regional Economic Research Institute

RERI performs economic research, analysis and forecasting for various organizations in Southwest Florida. The Institute has published many works, including a monthly Southwest Florida economic report and a quarterly business climate survey report.

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Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance

The Lucas Institute was established to reflect the important role that real estate development plays in the Southwest Florida economy and to address the need for a graduate degree program to prepare students for the challenges in this highly competitive industry. The institute works closely with the Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) of Southwest Florida. Links to both websites are below.

Learn More

Lutgert News | Economics & FinanceSee All

Inaugural FGCU Economics Poster Presentation Expo

December 09, 2022 / Lutgert News / Tags: Economics, Economics & Finance, Research, Undergraduate

At the inaugural FGCU Economics Poster Presentation Expo, senior economics students presented their empirical economic research papers to faculty and executive council members. Each student defined a research question, conducted a literature review, developed a conceptual model, gathered data, explored the appropriate research methodology, coded in R to answer their research question, and provided a summary and conclusion of their findings.

LCOB Finance Program Partners with the CFA Society of Naples

July 15, 2021 / Lutgert News / Tags: 2021, Award, CFA, Competition, Economics & Finance, Finance

This spring a team of Lutgert Finance majors won the award for ‘Best in Creativity’ in the 2021 CFA Ethics Invitational hosted by CFA Tampa. This accomplishment included a team trophy and prize for each of the students. Arnae Molin, Jade Tywang, Michael Vega, and Jessica Villafuerte earned this distinction among university teams from across the state of Florida for their thoughtful and creative video presentation. Designed to help prepare those entering the investment profession for the ethical challenges that they will face in the workplace, student teams were given an ethics case to analyze and make recommendations in an 8 - 10 minute video presentation. The FGCU Team, competing for the first time, was sponsored by the CFA Society of Naples.

Finance Majors Manage Part of FGCU Endowment

May 27, 2021 / Lutgert News / Tags: Economics & Finance, Finance, Fundraising

Sixteen years ago, Lutgert College’s Alico Eminent Scholar in Finance came up with a radical idea: Why not teach students about the stock market in real time, by allowing them to actively manage a small part of the University’s endowment?