1. Carnegie Mellon University
  2. Program
  3. Bachelors
  4. BA in Economics

BA in Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Carnegie Mellon University

Program Overview

Program Overview
The BA in Economics at Carnegie Mellon delivers a robust analytical education that integrates theory and data analysis. Ideal for students targeting roles in business, policy, or interdisciplinary research, it emphasizes model-driven decision-making and real-world problem solving.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Core Concepts & Quantitative Foundations
Students start with introductory principles in micro and macroeconomics, while also taking essential mathematics and statistics classes to build analytical rigor.

Year 2: Theory and Quantitative Analysis
During the second year, students tackle intermediate economic theory and core econometrics, deepening their understanding of models and methods fundamental to economic analysis.

Year 3: Advanced Modeling & Electives
In the third year, students select advanced electives in areas like behavioral economics, public policy, or quantitative modeling, applying theory to practical and data-rich contexts.

Year 4: Research Project or Capstone
The final year focuses on independent research or capstone experiences, often collaborating with faculty on topics such as market design, finance, or development .

Focus Areas:
Economic Theory, Econometrics, Behavioral Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Industrial Organization

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will have the ability to apply economic frameworks to analyze data, construct models, and solve complex issues in business and policy environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Offered jointly by Tepper School and Dietrich College—both AACSB-accredited—this program ensures a solid analytical and professional grounding.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
CMU’s interdisciplinary and data-focused approach is highly regarded by employers in finance, tech, consulting, and policy sectors, supported by strong placement records and alumni outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree program combines rigorous academic foundations with powerful real-world application across research, internships, and consulting:

  • Integrated research: Join faculty-led projects early and complete an independent Senior Project or Senior Honors, with many opportunities for publication.

  • Project-based classes and industry site visits, central to Tepper’s experiential learning culture.

  • Dietrich’s funding and structure: All students must complete and reflect on at least one experiential activity—internship, community project, or study abroad—with reflection built into the curriculum.

  • Internship funding: Stipends for summer placements like the Pittsburgh Summer Internship Program.

  • Undergraduate Research Training Program, with faculty mentorship from day one .

  • Utilize Tepper’s analytic tools and CMU computing resources, including econometrics labs and advanced statistical software.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Carnegie Mellon’s BA Economics graduates typically move into consulting, data analysis, economic research, and tech-driven financial services:

  • The CMU Career and Professional Development Center connects students with companies such as Google, McKinsey, and the Federal Reserve, offering workshops and career fairs.

  • Around 90% of graduates secure jobs within six months, with median salaries near $75,000, reflecting strong industry demand.

  • Carnegie Mellon’s interdisciplinary ties with the Tepper School of Business and the Heinz College create valuable networking and internship opportunities.

  • The program’s ABET accreditation and rigorous curriculum are highly respected in academia and industry.

  • Alumni frequently join top consulting firms, think tanks, and innovative startups.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance to master’s programs in economics, computational finance, public policy, or business administration, leveraging the program’s quantitative foundation.

Program Key Stats

$67,020
$ 75
Oct Intake : RD 2nd Jan EA/ED 1st Nov


11 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

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

1440 - 1550
32 - 35
7.5
102

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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