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BA in Economics — George Washington University
GW’s BA in Economics offers a policy-focused, analytically rigorous education grounded in both theory and empirical research. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the program is designed for students aiming for careers in government, international organizations, finance, or graduate studies in public policy, law, or economics.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Core Principles & Math Preparation
Students begin with ECON 1011 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 1012 (Principles of Macroeconomics), supported by MATH 1221 (Calculus with Precalculus II) or MATH 1231 (Single Variable Calculus I), building essential mathematical tools.
Year 2: Intermediate Economic Theory
Students advance to ECON 2101 (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory) and ECON 2102 (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory), developing their theoretical framework.
Year 3: Econometrics & Applied Skills
ECON 2123 (Introduction to Econometrics) introduces students to quantitative methods in economic data analysis. Students also begin to explore specialized fields such as development or labor economics.
Year 4: Advanced Electives & Research Opportunities
Students take upper-level electives such as Game Theory, Health Economics, or Economic Development. Those pursuing departmental honors may complete a senior thesis under faculty supervision (ECON 4198).
Focus Areas:
International Economics, Development, Public Policy, Labor, Health Economics, Game Theory
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates leave with strong analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and an understanding of global economic systems—well-equipped to assess policy and economic challenges.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, housed in the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, and aligned with policy-driven career outcomes.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
GW's location near major institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and federal agencies positions economics students for highly competitive internships and job placements in D.C. and beyond.
GWU's economics program integrates experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and research initiatives. Students develop analytical skills applicable to various economic sectors.
Key Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Internships: Gain experience in government agencies, think tanks, and private sector firms.
Study Abroad: Participate in global programs to understand international economic systems.
Research Projects: Collaborate with faculty on economic research, enhancing analytical skills.
Seminars and Workshops: Engage in events that discuss current economic issues and policies.
Career Services: Access resources for job placement and career advancement in economics.
Graduates of GW’s BA in Economics program step into top roles as policy analysts, economic consultants, financial analysts, and international development specialists. With its unbeatable location in Washington, D.C., students gain direct access to internships and careers in federal agencies, think tanks, and global organizations.
Here’s how GW supports your career journey:
Career Services: GW’s Center for Career Services provides one-on-one career coaching, federal job search guidance, and specialized resources for economics students through Handshake and employer connections.
Employment Stats: More than 90% of economics graduates are employed, in graduate school, or both within six months. Starting salaries often range from $60,000 to $68,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Partnerships with institutions like the World Bank, Federal Reserve, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Brookings Institution create valuable internship pipelines.
Accreditation: GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; the program is housed in the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, known for its policy focus.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni work in national economic research organizations, financial services, federal agencies, and international NGOs.
Further Academic Progression:
Students often pursue graduate degrees such as GW’s MA in Applied Economics or joint degrees in public policy, law, or international affairs, supported by the university’s proximity to key policy institutions.
Application Deadlines Early Action: November 1, 2025 (non-binding) Regular Decision: January 5, 2026SAT/ACT Policy Mandatory: SAT or ACT required Superscoring: George Washington University superscores both SAT and ACT Score Reporting: Submit all scores; superscore used for review; official scores required upon enrollment Testing Codes: SAT - 5246; ACT - 0664English Language Proficiency Requirements Tests Accepted: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test When Required: For non-native English speakers without 2+ years postsecondary education in English Minimum Scores: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, Duolingo 120+Academic Prerequisites 4 years of English 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry; Calculus recommended) 2 years of Science 2 years of Foreign LanguageEconomist – 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
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George Washington University
