BS Computer Science and Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Yale University

Program Overview

Yale’s Computer Science and Economics B.S. is a structured interdepartmental major combining rigorous coursework in algorithms, data structures, and programming with economic theory, econometrics, and applied data analysis. It is ideal for students pursuing careers in tech, analytics, or economic research.

The program balances theoretical foundations with applied problem-solving and equips students to understand how algorithms and incentives co-shape behavior, business, and society.

Core Curriculum Components

Mathematics & Statistics Foundation

  • MATH 120: Multivariable Calculus

  • MATH 222 or 225: Linear Algebra or Intensive Linear Algebra

  • S&DS 241: Probability Theory

  • S&DS 242: Theory of Statistics or equivalent course in statistical inference

Computer Science Core

  • CPSC 201: Introduction to Computer Science

  • CPSC 223: Data Structures and Programming Techniques

  • CPSC 365: Design and Analysis of Algorithms

  • CPSC 366 or 440: Machine Learning or Theory of Computation

Economics Core

  • ECON 110/115: Introductory Microeconomics

  • ECON 111/116: Introductory Macroeconomics

  • ECON 121/125: Intermediate Microeconomics

  • ECON 131/135: Econometrics and Statistical Modeling

  • ECON 159: Game Theory or ECON 159a: Behavioral Economics (as an elective)

Interdisciplinary & Capstone

  • Senior Research Project (ECON 491 or CPSC 490): Students complete a substantial independent project that applies both computational and economic principles—such as algorithmic pricing, economic simulations, or ML models of labor markets.

  • Ethics & Policy Options: Courses such as CPSC 183 (Law, Technology, and Culture) or ECON 465 (Global Economic Policy)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Yale’s interdisciplinary environment encourages CS+Econ students to engage in applied learning through research, internships, and startup development.

Undergraduate Research

Students may join faculty-led research groups at:

  • Yale Economic Growth Center

  • Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics

  • Yale Center for Algorithms and Data Science

  • Y-RISE (Impact Evaluation Lab)

  • Digital Ethics Lab (Policy & Regulation Focus)

Research may focus on:

  • Algorithmic pricing and competition

  • Inequality and labor market trends

  • Cryptoeconomics and blockchain design

  • Political economy and tech platforms

Capstone Projects

Topics often include:

  • Predictive modeling for economic outcomes

  • Data-driven analysis of healthcare or education markets

  • Auction design and simulation

  • Equity analysis in algorithmic decision systems

Internships

Students land prestigious internships with:

  • Tech companies (Google, Meta, Palantir, Stripe)

  • Investment firms (Jane Street, Bridgewater, Citadel)

  • Public sector (Federal Reserve, IMF, World Bank)

  • Think tanks and academic labs (J-PAL, Brookings)

Hackathons & Competitions

  • YHack

  • Datafest

  • Economics Policy Simulation Challenges

  • Quant competitions and algorithmic trading hackathons

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Yale’s Computer Science and Economics B.S. program are known for their dual fluency in computation and economic reasoning. They are sought after for roles requiring analytical depth, cross-disciplinary insight, and the ability to model behavior using both data and incentives.

Career Progression Examples

  • Software Engineer → Technical PM → CTO

  • Data Scientist → Analytics Lead → Head of Data Science

  • Quant Analyst → Portfolio Manager → Chief Risk Officer

  • Research Assistant → PhD Candidate → Economic Policy Advisor

  • Strategy Analyst → FinTech Entrepreneur → CEO

Graduate Study

Many pursue:

  • PhD in Economics, Public Policy, or Computer Science

  • Master’s in Data Science or Computational Social Science

  • JD or MBA with a Tech or Finance Focus

  • MPP (Public Policy) with a data/economics concentration

Program Key Stats

$67,250
$ 80
Aug Intake : RD 2nd Jan EA/ED 1st Nov


5 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - A*A*A
3.5 - 4.0
38 - 42
90 - 95

1500 - 1580
33 - 35
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Graduates of Yale’s B
  • S
  • in Computer Science and Economics are uniquely trained to solve complex problems at the intersection of technology
  • data
  • and markets
  • Combining quantitative economics with computational methods
  • this interdisciplinary major prepares students for high-impact roles in tech
  • finance
  • policy
  • research
  • and innovation
  • Technology & Data Science Data Scientist: Analyzing large-scale economic and behavioral data to guide strategic decisions
  • Software Engineer (Econ Focus): Building applications that rely on market logic or economic modeling
  • AI/ML Developer: Creating algorithms that power personalization
  • prediction
  • and dynamic pricing
  • Economic Systems Designer: Engineering smart contracts or market mechanisms in digital platforms
  • Finance & Quantitative Analysis Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Applying statistics and algorithms to pricing models and trading strategies
  • FinTech Product Manager: Leading development of tech tools for financial services
  • Risk Analyst: Using economic forecasting and simulation to manage financial exposure
  • Algorithmic Trader: Designing and deploying automated trading strategies informed by real-time data
  • Consulting & Strategy Tech Strategy Consultant: Advising clients on data systems
  • automation
  • and digital business models
  • Economic Consultant: Using econometrics and simulation to evaluate mergers
  • pricing
  • or regulation
  • Management Consultant: Supporting executive decisions using structured modeling and tech insights
  • Policy
  • Research & Impact Public Policy Analyst (Tech/Econ Focus): Using data to design economic interventions or regulations
  • Behavioral Data Economist: Modeling incentive structures in digital products or public services
  • Research Assistant at Think Tanks or Fed Banks: Contributing to studies in labor markets
  • AI
  • and macroeconomic policy
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation Startup Founder (FinTech
  • EdTech
  • Marketplaces) Innovation Lead at Tech Firms Blockchain Economist: Designing crypto incentives and decentralized markets

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