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BA Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brown University

Program Overview

Program Overview
The BA in Economics at Brown combines strong theoretical training with flexible liberal arts learning, guided by the university’s renowned Open Curriculum. It’s perfect for students who want to explore economics through interdisciplinary lenses—whether in public policy, business, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Introductory Economics & Quantitative Tools
You’ll start with ECON 0110 (Principles of Economics) and Math for Economists (ECON 0170 or equivalent), grounding you in both economic thinking and quantitative reasoning.

Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
The second year tackles ECON 1110/1130 (Intermediate Micro), ECON 1210 (Intermediate Macro), and ECON 1620 + ECON 1629/1630 (Econometrics), deepening your understanding of economic models and statistical analysis.

Year 3: Flexible Course Tracks & Electives
You’ll choose from elective tracks—such as the standard, business, or public policy track—through courses like Corporate Finance, Behavioral Economics, or Environmental Economics, tailoring your focus to match your goals.

Year 4: Capstone Project & Independent Study
In your final year, you can complete a senior thesis or capstone in your chosen track, producing original research that applies economic theory and methods to real-world issues .

Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Behavioral & Environmental Economics, Corporate Finance, Public Policy, Industrial Organization

Learning Outcomes:
You'll develop strong economic reasoning, quantitative analysis skills, and the ability to independently research, model, and present findings on complex topics.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This degree is granted under Brown’s Open Curriculum and adheres to the academic standards of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Brown economics concentrators are known for their interdisciplinary strengths and critical thinking, frequently entering top graduate programs, finance, tech, consulting, and policy roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Brown emphasizes experiential education through flexible, interdisciplinary learning formats and professional practice:

  • Professional Track internships: Each student completes 2–6 months of full-time professional experience in industry or university-led settings.

  • SPRINT and BEE programs: Internships and field courses that continued even during the pandemic to ensure hands‑on engagement (e.g., research internships, fieldwork) .

  • Brown Experiential Education (BEE): Includes off-campus immersion programs in locations like Barcelona and Oxford.

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) support via OISSS for international students doing professional internships.

  • Close mentorship & research oversight, with faculty advisors guiding contact with employers or academic supervisors.

  • Library access and shared resources across Brown’s Open Curriculum, boosted by interdisciplinary programming like BEO.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Brown’s BA Economics graduates frequently enter fields like economic policy, international development, consulting, and academia:

  • The Brown CareerLAB offers tailored career advising, internship programs, and access to an extensive alumni network.

  • Employment outcomes show 85% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months; starting salaries average $68,000.

  • Brown’s connections with institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and major consultancies provide exceptional internship and research opportunities.

  • The program is part of Brown’s Ivy League reputation, recognized globally for academic excellence and critical thinking.

  • Graduates are known for leadership roles in government, NGOs, and high-impact organizations.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates often pursue advanced degrees in economics, public policy, law, or international affairs at Brown or other leading universities worldwide.

Program Key Stats

$74650
$ 75
Aug Intake : RD 3rd Jan EA/ED 1st Nov


9 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

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

1480 - 1560
33 - 35
8.0
105

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategy
  • Investment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banks
  • Data 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 decisions
  • Actuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firms
  • Management Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performance
  • Financial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisions
  • Policy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agencies
  • Quantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisions
  • Certified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporations
  • Economic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizations
  • Marketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporations
  • Financial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategies
  • International Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World Bank
  • Federal 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 Governors
  • Entrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms

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