Dallas Hall is a historic building on the SMU campus and is home to the B.S. in Statistical Science program.

Undergraduate programs

Economics with management information applications

B.S.M.I.A.

Overview

The SMU Department of Economics is highly ranked among economics departments in the United States and offers a comprehensive education in the major fields in modern economics. It attracts the most undergraduate majors in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and the second most at SMU.

Emphasis on economic theory and quantitative skills allows undergraduate and graduate students to develop the key critical thinking and problem-solving skills demanded by the corporate sector, policy institutions and academia worldwide. Students work alongside expert faculty members who conduct cutting-edge research in a broad range of areas, frequently publish in top economic journals, win major academic awards, belong to prestigious research bodies and act as editors of major academic journals.

The Bachelor of Science in economics with management information applications (B.S.M.I.A.) focuses on the use of economic theories and tools to inform business decision-making. In this program, you will learn analytical techniques to optimize profits and market share while navigating various business challenges. You will gain a full understanding of key concepts within managerial economics including the theory of the firm, demand theory, production and cost analysis, capital budgeting and game theory. And, through your deep understanding of market dynamics, forecasting demand, assessing production efficiency and making informed investment decisions, you will be a competitive candidate in today’s job market.

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

Top 5%

“Colleges with the Best Professors in America”

Niche (2026)

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

Transfer students

Everything transfer students need to know about admission requirements.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

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Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $38,598.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Our rigorous curriculum offers a broad array of advanced economics courses and distinct program tracks, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic interests and career aspirations.

The Bachelor of Science in economics with management information applications degree combines specialized training in economics, econometrics and management information systems in areas important to the study of big data.

Featured courses

ECO 4350

Introductory Econometrics

An advanced undergraduate course that introduces the basic concepts of econometrics and, in particular, regression analysis, with topics geared to first-time regression users.

ECO 4341

Strategic Behavior

Introduces the basic concepts and tools of game theory, with applications to various areas of economics. The various topics are unified by the techniques employed for determining the outcome in particular situations.

OREM 1360

Introduction to Management Science

Management science is the application of mathematical modeling and scientific principles to solve problems and improve life in society. Students learn to develop plans, manage operations and solve problems encountered in business and government.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Faculty

The Dedman College faculty consists of accomplished experts across the field of economics and finance with a primary focus on providing an exceptional education. Collectively, they represent many areas of expertise and are widely published in top economic journals. Our faculty members win major academic awards and belong to prestigious research bodies like the National Bureau of Economic Research and Institute of Labor Economics.

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Mea Ahlberg

Mea Ahlberg

Associate Teaching Professor

Stepan Aleksenko

Assistant Professor
Nathan Balke portrait

Nathan Balke

Professor
2007 Dedman Family Distinguished Professor
Bo Chen

Bo Chen

Professor and Director of Master Studies
Cullum Clark

Cullum Clark

Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative and Adjunct Professor of Economics
Klaus Desmet portrait

Klaus Desmet

Ruth and Kenneth Altshuler Centennial Interdisciplinary Professor

Professor Carol Dickson-Carr Headshot

Carol Dickson-Carr

Assistant Teaching Professor
Hao Dong

Hao Dong

Associate Professor
Outdoor portrait of professor Alipio Ferreira wearing a green button up shirt

Alipio Ferreira

Assistant Professor

Zhan Gao

Assistant Professor
Marcela Giraldo

Marcela Giraldo

Associate Teaching Professor

Jon Haghayeghi

Assistant Teaching Professor
Wookun Kim

Wookun Kim

Assistant Professor
Madera Rocio

Rocio Madera

Assistant Professor

Ryan McGregor

Assistant Teaching Professor
Daniel Millimet

Daniel Millimet

Dedman Trustee Professor and Department Chair
Photo of Thomas Osang

Thomas Osang

Associate Professor Dean of Curriculum

Ömer Özak

Associate Professor
Saltik Ozerturk portrait

Saltuk Ozerturk

Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Nathaniel Pattison

Nathaniel Pattison

Associate Professor

Luis Perez

Assistant Professor
Headshot of Prasanthi Ramakrishnan.

Prasanthi Ramakrishnan

Assistant Professor

Helen Reynolds

Helen Reynolds

Teaching Professor Maguire Teaching Fellow
Santanu_Roy_300x200

Santanu Roy

Robert H. and Nancy Dedman Professor of Economics; University Distinguished Professor
Tim Salmon portrait

Tim Salmon

Professor

Michael Sposi

Associate Professor and Director of Doctoral Studies

Yichen Su

Assistant Professor
Beth Wheaton Photo

Beth Wheaton-Páramo

Research Assistant Professor/Teaching Professor

Facilities

Dedman College’s 16 academic departments can be found across 10 different buildings at SMU. Economics majors will find the majority of their instructional classrooms and faculty offices concentrated in the northwest corner of the SMU campus in Umphrey Lee Center and Dallas Hall.

The historic Dallas Hall on the SMU campus is the home of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

Dallas Hall

A majestic, 110-year-old facility used by Dedman College for both academic and office space.

The Umphrey Lee Center is a red brick building on SMU campus named for the University’s fourth president.

Umphrey Lee Center

Built in 1955 and named in honor of SMU’s fourth president and then chancellor, the Umphrey Lee Center currently houses the Economics Department and the Richard B. Johnson Center for Economic Studies.

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Frequently asked questions

Economics with management information applications is a branch of applied economics that focuses on the use of economic theories and tools to inform business decision-making. It combines specialized training in economics, econometrics and management information systems (MIS) in areas important to the study of big data.

A degree in economics with a concentration in management information applications differs from a traditional economics major in that it combines standard economic theory with heavy technical training in data analytics, computer science and information systems. It emphasizes quantitative analysis, practical business applications and technical modeling over the broader theoretical or policy-focused studies of a straight economics major.

A Bachelor of Science in economics with management information applications is an excellent major for business. It combines rigorous analytical and data-driven economic training with technical management information systems (MIS) skills, creating a versatile profile ideal for roles in data analytics, consulting, financial analysis and strategic management in a tech-driven market.

This degree prepares students for consulting, finance or analytics roles by combining rigorous analytical and data-driven economic training with technical Management Information Systems (MIS) skills.

Students learn analytical techniques to optimize profits and market share while navigating various business challenges. They will gain a full understanding of key concepts within managerial economics including the theory of the firm, demand theory, production and cost analysis, capital budgeting and game theory. Their skills in understanding market dynamics, forecasting demand, assessing production efficiency and making informed investment decisions qualify them for roles in consulting, finance or analytics.

Yes, the program requires both programming and database management courses.

Students may pursue graduate studies in economics, law or business. The SMU Department of Economics offers a Ph.D. in economics, as well as several master’s degrees including an M.A. in applied economics (with and without a law and economics track), an M.S. in applied economics and predictive analytics, and an accelerated 4+1 program which allows students to begin master’s coursework while finishing their bachelor’s degree.

Careerwise, students often pursue careers in data and analytics, banking and finance, and consulting. Common roles are analysts, traders, wealth managers and financial and management consultants.

A B.S. in economics with management information applications is generally considered worth it, especially if you are wanting to go into data-driven roles in finance, consulting or technology. Since the program combines economic theory with quantitative, technical skills like econometrics and management information systems, it tends to lead to high earning potential and strong career outcomes.

Other benefits to the program at SMU are its strong networking opportunities and access to a robust job market in Dallas, Texas, and a strong alumni network in Fortune 500 companies across the country.

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