Enter OTP
Program Overview
The BA in Economics at Purdue University West Lafayette combines rigorous economic theory with practical analytical skills, preparing students for diverse careers in business, government, and research. It’s ideal for students who want a strong foundation in economic principles alongside flexibility to explore related fields such as finance and public policy.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Introductory Economics & Quantitative Tools
Students begin with foundational courses like ECON 251 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 252 (Principles of Macroeconomics), alongside quantitative classes such as MATH 165 (Calculus for Business, Life, and Social Sciences), establishing a base in economic concepts and analytical methods.
Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
The second year includes ECON 352 (Intermediate Microeconomics), ECON 353 (Intermediate Macroeconomics), and ECON 354 (Econometrics), where students deepen their understanding of economic models and data analysis techniques.
Year 3: Flexible Course Tracks & Electives
Students explore specialized electives such as ECON 430 (Public Economics), ECON 442 (International Trade), and ECON 444 (Labor Economics), enabling them to tailor their studies toward business, policy, or global economics.
Year 4: Capstone Project & Independent Study
In the final year, students have the option to engage in independent research or a senior thesis through ECON 490 (Senior Seminar) or ECON 491 (Senior Research), applying economic theory to real-world problems.
Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Economics, International Economics, Labor Economics
Learning Outcomes:
Students develop skills in economic analysis, quantitative methods, policy evaluation, and effective communication of economic ideas.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Purdue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring rigorous academic standards for the Economics program.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Purdue is nationally recognized for its STEM and social science programs, consistently ranked among the top public universities, with strong graduate employability in economics-related fields.
Purdue University offers a robust experiential learning environment for its BA Economics students. The university emphasizes hands-on experiences that integrate classroom knowledge with real-world applications. Through various programs and initiatives, students have the opportunity to engage in practical learning that enhances their academic journey.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Purdue University Research Center in Economics (PURCE): Provides students with opportunities to engage in real-world research techniques and technologies, diving deep into economic topics.
Office of Experiential Education: Supports, enhances, and expands undergraduate experiential education at Purdue, offering internships, co-ops, clinical placements, and other field-based experiences.
Bruce White Undergraduate Institute: Offers experiential learning opportunities and curricula at the cutting edge of business education, enhancing students' understanding of the role of business in society.
Center for Career Opportunities: Assists students in finding internships and job placements, providing career counseling and resources to enhance employability.
Mitch Daniels School of Business Experiential Learning Courses: Provides MBA and graduate students with opportunities to undertake projects for various organizations, addressing important issues and challenges while applying and integrating acquired knowledge and skills.
Graduates with a BA in Economics from Purdue University often secure strong roles such as economic analysts, financial advisors, policy consultants, and market researchers. This degree opens doors to dynamic sectors like finance, government, and consulting:
Career support: Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities offers tailored internship placements and career coaching specifically for economics students.
Employment success: Around 90% of graduates find employment or pursue further education within six months, with starting salaries averaging over $60,000.
Industry connections: Purdue collaborates closely with major employers such as the Federal Reserve Bank and several Fortune 500 companies, providing networking and real-world project experience.
Accreditation: The program is housed within a well-recognized College of Liberal Arts with strong national rankings, ensuring long-term degree credibility.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni often advance to leadership roles or pursue graduate degrees at top universities nationwide.
Further Academic Progression:
Students may continue with graduate studies such as a Master’s in Economics, an MBA, or specialized degrees in public policy or data analytics, leveraging Purdue’s robust graduate school network and funding opportunities.
Application Deadlines Early Action: November 1, 2025 (non-binding) Regular Decision: January 15, 2026SAT/ACT Policy Mandatory: SAT or ACT required Superscoring: Purdue superscores both SAT and ACT Score Reporting: Submit all scores; superscore used for review; official scores required upon enrollment Testing Codes: SAT - 1836; ACT - 1836English 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 79+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 105+Essays Required Common App Essay: 1 essay, up to 650 words Supplemental Essays: Not typically 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
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
Purdue University West Lafayette
