Enter OTP
This program offers a liberal arts-centered approach to economics, combining core theory with social, political, and ethical dimensions. It’s ideal for students interested in law, policy, or international development.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Begin with Introductory Economics and general education courses in writing, global perspectives, and the humanities.
Year 2:
Study Intermediate Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Mathematics for Economists. You may explore themes in global inequality, urban systems, or sustainability.
Year 3:
Internships and electives allow you to focus on areas like Urban Economics, Health Policy, or Environmental Justice. Study abroad is encouraged.
Year 4:
Complete a capstone course or thesis and round out your studies with electives like Public Finance or Political Economy of Development.
Focus areas: Policy, social justice, global economics
Learning outcomes: Understand economic systems in a broader human context
Professional alignment: Excellent foundation for law, nonprofit leadership, or graduate study
Reputation: Widely respected for public affairs and liberal arts integration, with strong employment outcomes
The BA in Economics at American University emphasizes hands-on learning that brings economic theory to life, preparing students for impactful careers. Through internships, capstones, and global experiences, students build practical skills, engage with real-world challenges, and connect with professionals in major economic hubs.
Here’s how the program reflects this in practice:
Real-World Internships: Students can earn academic credit via ECON‑491 by securing supervised internships in policy, finance, or research settings—like the State Department, SEC, or IMF. Interns conduct data analysis, policy research, econometric modeling in R or Stata, and help prepare reports and presentations.
Capstone Experience: In their senior year, students choose from capstone options—including ECON‑480, ECON‑478, or internship-based ECON‑491/492—training them to conduct comprehensive economic analysis and deliver formal findings.
Applied Econometrics Tools: The curriculum includes ECON‑322 Applied Econometrics, where students use statistical software to analyze real data sets and learn forecasting methods.
Global Learning Opportunities: Over half of students study abroad, with programs at prestigious schools like the London School of Economics, building international economic perspectives.
Networking & Workshops: Students engage with professionals at industry seminars, career events, and alumni panels—often through AU’s Career Center and department-hosted programs.
These elements are thoughtfully woven into the coursework, ensuring that AU economics graduates are not only theoretically knowledgeable but also professionally prepared, globally aware, and ready to contribute from day one.
The BA prepares students for roles in economic analysis, consulting, policy, and finance, emphasizing both theory and application.
Access to AU’s Career Center for internships, networking, and career planning.
High post-graduation employment rates, with competitive starting salaries around $58,000.
Internship and employment partnerships with D.C.-based agencies, nonprofits, and firms.
Accredited and nationally recognized, ensuring degree value.
Graduates work in government, finance, nonprofits, and consulting.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue graduate studies in economics, public policy, or law, leveraging AU’s interdisciplinary graduate programs.
Letters of Recommendation Number not specified—typically 1–2 academic letters standard.Common App + Essays Requires Common App essay (650 words) plus AU supplemental questions.Prerequisite High School Coursework College-prep curriculum including calculus, statistics, and strong social science background.Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategyInvestment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banksData Analyst or Data Scientist – Use programming languages like Python R and SQL and statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights for business or policy decisionsActuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firmsManagement Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performanceFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisionsPolicy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agenciesQuantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisionsCertified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporationsEconomic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizationsMarketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporationsFinancial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategiesInternational Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World BankFederal Reserve Analyst or Central Banker – Support monetary policy economic research and financial regulation to promote economic stability and growth at regional Federal Reserve Banks or the Board of GovernorsEntrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
American University
