BS Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Pennsylvania State University University Park

Program Overview

Program Overview
The BS in Economics at Penn State offers a solid grounding in economic theory combined with strong quantitative and analytical training, ideal for students aiming at careers in data-driven industries, finance, or advanced economic research. This program emphasizes mathematical rigor and practical problem-solving skills in economic contexts.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Introductory Economics & Quantitative Tools
Students start with ECON 102 (Microeconomic Principles) and ECON 104 (Macroeconomic Principles), alongside foundational math courses like MATH 140 (Calculus I), establishing essential economic concepts and quantitative techniques.

Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
The curriculum advances with ECON 302 (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory), ECON 304 (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory), and STAT 401 (Regression Methods), equipping students with deeper theoretical insights and applied statistical skills.

Year 3: Flexible Course Tracks & Electives
Students select from electives including ECON 410 (Public Economics), ECON 433 (International Trade), and ECON 455 (Behavioral Economics), enabling a tailored focus on policy, global markets, or behavioral insights.

Year 4: Capstone Project & Independent Study
In the senior year, students complete a senior thesis or research project through ECON 493W (Senior Thesis), integrating theory and data analysis in an original economic study.

Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Behavioral Economics, International Trade

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will master economic theory, quantitative data analysis, critical thinking, and independent research applicable to complex economic issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Penn State’s program follows the university’s regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Penn State is highly ranked for its economics program, with graduates well-regarded in business, consulting, government, and academic sectors nationwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Penn State's BS Economics program offers students a comprehensive understanding of economic systems, coupled with practical experiences that prepare them for various professional roles. The program emphasizes the application of economic analysis in real-world scenarios.

Experiential Learning Opportunities:

  • Living Labs at PSU: Provides an ecosystem for learning that enables unique features of communities, facilities, campus grounds, and regional neighborhoods to serve as test beds for the development of innovative solutions to real challenges.

  • Internship and Work Opportunities: Offers a range of internship and work opportunities customized after course completion to prepare students for the real world.

  • High-End Classrooms: Provides students with access to modern classrooms equipped with advanced technologies to facilitate effective learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

BS Economics – Pennsylvania State University

Graduates from Penn State’s BS Economics program typically move into roles like data analysts, financial economists, business consultants, and economic researchers. The program prepares students with strong quantitative and analytical skills:

  • University services: Penn State’s Career Services offers dedicated workshops, resume reviews, and employer networking events tailored for economics students.

  • Employment stats: About 85-90% of graduates secure jobs or continue education within six months; average starting salaries range between $58,000 and $65,000.

  • Industry partnerships: The university maintains strong ties with organizations like PNC Financial Services and Deloitte, facilitating internships and recruitment.

  • Accreditation & reputation: Penn State’s economics programs are nationally ranked and accredited, enhancing long-term professional credibility.

  • Graduation outcomes: Alumni often pursue roles in finance, government agencies, or consulting firms, with many advancing to senior economist or managerial positions.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can advance their studies with Master’s or PhD programs in Economics, Finance, or Public Policy, and Penn State supports this with research assistantships and seamless graduate admission pathways.


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.

Program Key Stats

$43,290
$ 75

Aug Intake : 28th Jul (RD) , 1st Nov (EA / ED)Jan Intake : 1st Oct


56 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

ABB - BBB
3.0 - 3.5
30 - 34
80 - 85

1220 - 1400
27 - 32
6.5
80

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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