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.

Get Informed

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

Featured News | Economics & Finance

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Lutgert News | Economics & FinanceSee All

Chelsea R. Ganey named BGS Chapter Honoree 2023

April 27, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: 2023, Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, BGS, Beta Gamma Sigma, Economics, Finance, Graduate, Honoree, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales, Undergraduate

Chelsea is responsible for developing, communicating and executing on the strategic plan and growth of Moran Wealth Management. Prior to this role, she spent 8 years at the firm as a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for the fixed income and several equity strategies. She serves on both the Executive Committee and Investment Committee at Moran Wealth Management. Chelsea earned her BS in Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University. She was awarded the CFA Charter from the CFA Institute in 2014, and is a member of the CFA Society of Naples where she currently serves on the board. In 2021, Chelsea co-founded Southwest Florida Women in Investment Management to support the development and advancement of women in the local finance community. In addition to her responsibilities at Moran Wealth Management, Chelsea sits on the Executive Council for the Department of Economics and Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University and is the President of the House Corporation for the Pi Mu Chapter of Chi Omega. Lastly, she is a member of CHIEF, a private organization for women executive leaders. Chelsea loves to read, travel, and spend quality time with her family. As a Midwest transplant, she lovingly cheers for the Chicago Bulls, Bears and Cubs.

Brave New World? AI Researcher Says Ditch Dystopian Fears

April 13, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: AI, Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales

The warnings are ominous and plentiful. For over half a century, we’ve been hit with a deluge of cautionary tales – from books to the big screen – teaching us to fear the unleashed power of artificial intelligence (or AI). Inevitably, in those stories, technology develops sentiency, plunging the world into a dystopian hellscape, leading to the end of human civilization. So why is Chrissann Ruehle, Lutgert College of Business instructor, eschewing pop culture to embrace the latest AI development? “I see this as a collaboration and connection between humans and machines, humans and technology, as well as being a benefit for our students and also for faculty,” she explained. For the past six years, Ruehle has researched the burgeoning field of AI and is working on publishing articles and papers on the subject. She describes one of the newest creations, ChatGPT, as a “generative artificial intelligence program that uses conversational artificial intelligence.”

Professional Development Skills Course Bridges the Gap Between the Classroom and the Workforce

April 05, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, Mentorship, New Course, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales, Undergraduate

The Lutgert College of Business remains in constant contact with industry partners to make sure our graduates have the knowledge employers are looking for. This consistent communication has led to new majors in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics, integration of advanced MS Excel skills into the accounting curriculum, and a new concentration in International Business for management majors. Yet the most frequent request across disciplines and majors is the need for “soft skills”: networking with clients, giving effective presentations, writing professional communications. Even a handshake can make the difference between clinching a deal or losing a client.