1. Iowa State University
  2. Program
  3. Bachelors
  4. BA in Economics

BA in Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Iowa State University

Program Overview

BA in Economics — Iowa State University

The BA in Economics at Iowa State emphasizes a broad liberal arts approach combined with core economic theory and practical applications. It prepares students for careers in policy analysis, business strategy, and public service by fostering strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Economic Principles & Quantitative Skills
Students start with foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and introductory mathematics.

Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Data Analysis
Core courses build on economic theory with applied statistics and econometrics.

Year 3: Electives & Applied Economics
Students explore electives in areas such as labor economics, environmental economics, or urban economics.

Year 4: Capstone & Independent Study
Seniors engage in advanced electives and may pursue independent research or honors projects.

Focus Areas:
Public Policy, Business Economics, Labor Economics, Environmental Economics

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates gain the ability to analyze economic issues critically, communicate effectively, and apply economic principles in diverse settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the program integrates strong academic standards with practical skills.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Alumni find roles in government, nonprofits, and business sectors, benefitting from Iowa State’s research and industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Iowa State's economics program integrates experiential learning through internships, research projects, and community engagement. Students develop skills applicable to various economic sectors.

Key Experiential Learning Opportunities:

  • Internships: Opportunities to gain practical experience in economics-related fields.

  • Research Projects: Collaborate with faculty on economic studies and analyses.

  • Community Engagement: Participate in projects that address economic issues within the community.

  • Workshops and Seminars: Attend events to enhance understanding of economic theories and practices.

  • Career Services: Utilize Iowa State's career services for job placement and networking.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA in Economics at Iowa State prepares students for a wide range of careers in public policy, business strategy, financial consulting, and international development. With a broader liberal arts focus compared to the BS, this program blends economic theory with strong communication and analytical skills—ideal for roles that require economic insight alongside strategic thinking.

Here’s how Iowa State supports your future path:

  • Career Services: The LAS Career Services Center provides career coaching, mock interviews, resume reviews, and job/internship fairs designed for economics and social science students.

  • Employment Stats: Nearly 90% of economics graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging $55,000–$58,000.

  • University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from Iowa State’s strong ties to local and federal agencies, including the Iowa Department of Management and policy think tanks, offering internships and entry-level roles.

  • Accreditation: Iowa State holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

  • Graduate Outcomes: Alumni go on to positions in economic policy, nonprofit management, urban planning, and business analysis roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue to graduate school for economics, law, public administration, or MBA programs. Iowa State’s own master’s programs and faculty research connections offer strong support for continuing academic advancement.

Program Key Stats

$24480 (Annual cost)
$ 65
Sept Intake : 21st Jul


87 %

Eligibility Criteria

ABB - BBB
3.0 - 3.5
26 - 30
75 - 80

1200 - 1300
25 - 28
6.0
71

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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