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Rensselaer’s Bachelor of Science in Economics offers a dynamic study path where quantitative rigor meets real-world relevance. It’s ideal for students who enjoy modeling data, interpreting policy, and solving economic challenges in industries like finance, consulting, and public administration.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by mastering foundational ideas in Principles of Economics (INQR 1200), establishing a strong understanding of micro and macroeconomic basics. These courses set the stage for a research-focused journey.
Year 2: You’ll dive into Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (ECON 2010) and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 2020), applying theory to deeper questions about markets and national economies.
Year 3: Focus sharpens through Econometrics (ECON 4570) and various electives. You'll use statistical models to analyze economic behavior and explore areas like environmental, health, behavioral, or international economics depending on your interests.
Year 4: The final year emphasizes specialization: choose upper-level electives—such as Money and Banking, Applied Game Theory, or International Economics—that align with your career goals and deepen your modeling and analytical expertise.
Focus areas: Quantitative modeling, econometric analysis, economic policy, and applied sectors like health, environment, finance, or innovation.
Learning outcomes: Graduates leave with strong quantitative and analytical skills, ability to interpret complex economic data, and capacity to communicate evidence-based insights effectively.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is MSCHE-accredited through Rensselaer’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, with strong ties to the AACSB-accredited Lally School of Management, preparing students for analytical roles and graduate study.
Reputation (employability rankings): Rensselaer ranks in the top 30% of economics programs nationally (#268) and is in the top 35 schools in New York. The institute itself places in the top 60 of about 1,700 U.S. schools, with economics grads earning top-10 percentile mid-career salaries and excelling in consulting, finance, and tech
At RPI, Economics students engage in research, internships, and applied projects that bridge theory and practice. The program focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through access to advanced facilities and experiential learning.
Research centers where students participate in economic studies and contribute to knowledge advancement.
Internship programs providing professional experience in economic analysis and policy.
Capstone projects requiring students to address real economic challenges.
Collaborative learning environments encouraging innovation and applied economic research.
RPI Economics graduates often become economic analysts, policy advisors, quantitative researchers, or consultants. The program’s strong technical and research focus opens doors in both the public and private sectors.
RPI’s Career Development Center offers personalized job search strategies, networking opportunities, and employer connections in economics-related fields.
About 90% of graduates secure employment or graduate study within six months, with median starting salaries around $67,000.
RPI has partnerships with firms like IBM, GE providing robust internship and career placement pipelines.
The program’s accreditation and RPI’s reputation for STEM excellence add significant long-term value to the degree.
Graduates often work in technology-driven economic roles, government research labs, or consulting firms.
Further Academic Progression:
Students are well-positioned to pursue graduate degrees in economics, data science, public policy, or business analytics. RPI also supports interdisciplinary study paths linking economics with engineering and computer science.
Application Deadlines Regular Decision: January to February (typical window)SAT/ACT Policy Test-optional for Fall 2026 SAT: Superscored ACT: Best composite used SAT/ACT codes available via official testing agenciesEnglish Proficiency Required for non-native speakers TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalentLetters of Recommendation 2 required: one counselor and one teacher (preferably math or science)Essays Common App personal statement RPI-specific supplemental essay(s)Interview Policy Optional May be alumni-led or virtualHigh School Coursework Prerequisites 4 years of math (pre-calculus required; calculus recommended) 3 years of science (including chemistry and physics)Economist – 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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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
