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Program Overview
The BA in Economics at Penn State provides a broad liberal arts approach to economics, balancing foundational theory with flexibility to explore interdisciplinary subjects. It’s designed for students interested in combining economics with fields like business, communication, or public policy.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Introductory Economics & Quantitative Tools
Students begin with ECON 102 (Microeconomic Principles) and ECON 104 (Macroeconomic Principles), paired with foundational math courses such as MATH 140 (Calculus I), building essential economic and analytical skills.
Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
In the second year, students take ECON 302 (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory), ECON 304 (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory), and STAT 200 (Elementary Statistics), deepening their understanding of economic concepts and statistical methods.
Year 3: Flexible Course Tracks & Electives
Electives like ECON 410 (Public Economics), ECON 433 (International Trade), and ECON 455 (Behavioral Economics) allow students to tailor their studies based on their interests and career goals.
Year 4: Capstone Project & Independent Study
In the final year, students can engage in independent research or complete a senior thesis through ECON 493 (Senior Thesis), applying economic theories and methods to real-world issues.
Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Behavioral Economics, International Economics
Learning Outcomes:
Students will develop critical economic reasoning, quantitative analysis capabilities, and skills in independent research and effective communication.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is accredited through Penn State’s regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Penn State’s BA Economics graduates are recognized for their interdisciplinary training and analytical skills, with strong career prospects in government, business, and graduate studies.
The BA Economics program at Penn State focuses on providing students with a broad understanding of economic systems, emphasizing the development of analytical skills applicable in various sectors.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Community-Based Learning: Engages students in projects that address community needs, allowing them to apply economic principles in real-world settings.
Study Abroad Programs: Offers opportunities for students to gain international experience, enhancing their global perspective on economic issues.
Research Opportunities: Provides students with the chance to participate in research projects, developing their analytical and problem-solving skills.
BA Economics – Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s BA Economics graduates commonly find careers as economic consultants, market analysts, policy advisors, or financial planners, focusing on a broader liberal arts approach:
Career support: Penn State’s career network includes one-on-one advising, internship placement, and participation in the Economics Club’s industry panels.
Employment rates: Roughly 88% of BA Economics graduates are employed or enrolled in further study shortly after graduation, with median salaries around $55,000.
Industry links: Partnerships with local and national employers provide valuable internship pipelines, including with the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development.
Program standing: The BA program benefits from Penn State’s strong reputation and regional accreditation, helping graduates stand out in competitive job markets.
Outcomes: Graduates often enter sectors like economic development, non-profits, or business intelligence, with many moving on to graduate or professional degrees.
Further Academic Progression:
Students may pursue graduate degrees in Economics, Public Administration, or Business, with Penn State’s extensive graduate offerings and funding options easing the transition.
Application Deadlines Early Action: November 1, 2025 (non-binding) Regular Decision: January 15, 2026SAT/ACT Policy Mandatory: SAT or ACT required Superscoring: Penn State superscores both SAT and ACT Score Reporting: Submit all scores; superscore used for admission decisions; official scores upon enrollment Testing Codes: SAT - 2666; ACT - 2666English 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 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 105+Essays Required Common App Essay: 1 essay, up to 650 words Supplemental Essays: None requiredLetters of Recommendation Required: None for general admissionInterview Policy Offered: No interviews for general admissionAcademic 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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Pennsylvania State University University Park
