The Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in Economics have a clear focus on empirical-quantitative aspects as well as empirical economic research with practical relevance. The Bachelor’s degree programme is characterised by a well-structured education in the key competences of the subject and a broad range of options for extension studies and is closely integrated with the Business Administration programme. The Master's degree programmes are characterised by a clear focus on research.

The department encourages stays abroad on the basis of a transparent system for recognising credits. A semester abroad is possible via a mobility window without a delay in studying. In addition, two bilingual programmes are available: Business Administration – Energy and Finance and Health Economics.

Norwegian School of Economics and Business, Bergen, Norwegen; Université Panthéon-Assas Paris II, Frankreich; Griffith University, Australien; University of Tampere, School of Business Administration, Finnland; University of Macedonia Economic and Social Sciences, Griechenland; Università di Torino, Italien; University of Skövde, Schweden; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spanien.

E-campus (WiFi throughout the whole campus); virtual PC and software pool with 400 workstations; extensive PC workrooms and PC teaching and examination rooms with 200 workstations; faculty has its own IT service centre; free and cost-effective software for students; Trading room with corresponding software; Essener Labor für Experimentelle Wirtschaftsforschung (Essen Laboratory for Experimental Economic Research); good library with long opening hours.

Economic research in Essen is predominantly focused on empirical research. The department cooperates closely with the RWI research institute in Essen via the Centre for Health Economic Research (CINCH). The Essen Laboratory for Experimental Economic Research is a separate experimental laboratory for researching economic interaction and communication.

The University of Duisburg-Essen has combined the numerous measures in the IDE competence centre for innovation and start-ups. In addition, the chair for e-business and e-entrepreneurship pursues a combination of training and start-up promotion in e-business. Thus it is the aim to help to intensify the use of digital business processes through the courses offered, while also focusing on intensifying start-up promotion in the net economy.

Own Business English course programme; Alumni WiWi Essen e.V.: active alumni reunions; act e.V.: Student management consultancy.