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Program Overview
The BS in Economics at University of Illinois provides a quantitatively rigorous foundation, blending core economic theory with strong training in math and econometrics. Tailored for students aspiring to data-rich careers or further academic study, it equips you with analytic precision and applied economic insight.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Core Economics & Quantitative Foundations
You’ll begin with Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, while also taking essential mathematics and statistics to build your analytical toolkit.
Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
You’ll dive into intermediate micro and macro theory, plus take econometrics courses to learn probability, regression, and empirical analysis methods .
Year 3: Specialized Quantitative & Applied Focus
Advanced econometrics and electives—such as labor economics, international trade, or financial economics—will deepen your ability to apply theory to real-world data and decision-making .
Year 4: Capstone & Career Integration
The final year allows for hands-on learning through capstone projects, internships, or an honors thesis, integrating theory with market-focused or policy-driven research.
Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Financial & Labor Economics, International Trade, Public Policy
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates emerge with strong theoretical knowledge, statistical and econometric skills, plus practical research and data analysis abilities.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Part of LAS at UIUC, this STEM-oriented BS meets rigorous standards and prepares students for technical roles or graduate study.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UIUC economics graduates are highly sought after by employers in finance, consulting, government, and academia, and the program is respected for its academic rigor.
At UIUC, the economic program is deeply rooted in real‑world problem solving and consulting, using state-of-the-art facilities:
Action Learning: Semester-long consulting projects with Fortune 500 and non-profit partners via Gies’s Action Learning courses and Illinois Business Consulting.
“Magelli Office of Experiential Learning”: Named after Paul Magelli, this office oversees talent deployment and engagement with industry.
Business Instructional Facility (BIF): A LEED‑certified building housing consulting suites, an auditorium, collaboration spaces, and smart classrooms.
Real-time economic modeling: Work with the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL), collaborating with Federal Reserve Chicago on regional economic projects.
MindSumo: Platform for team-based problem solving with real corporate clients—compete and earn rewards
The University of Illinois BS Economics graduates often launch careers as financial analysts, market researchers, economic consultants, or data specialists:
The Illinois Career Center offers resume reviews, mock interviews, and access to on-campus recruiting with companies like State Farm, KPMG, and Caterpillar.
Over 80% employment rate within six months post-graduation; starting salaries average around $65,000.
Collaborative partnerships with local and national employers provide students with internship and job placement advantages.
The program holds AACSB accreditation, assuring quality and recognition worldwide.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in both private sector firms and government agencies.
Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue graduate studies in economics, finance, public administration, or data science, enhancing their expertise and career prospects.
Application Deadlines Early Action: November 1, 2025 (non-binding) Regular Decision: January 15, 2026SAT/ACT Policy Mandatory: SAT or ACT required Superscoring: University of Illinois superscores both SAT and ACT Score Reporting: Submit all scores; superscore used for admission decisions; official scores upon enrollment Testing Codes: SAT - 1839; ACT - 1839English 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: No supplemental essays required for general admissionLetters of Recommendation Required: None for general admission Optional: May submit for scholarships or special programsInterview Policy Offered: No interviews for general admissionAcademic Prerequisites 4 years of English 3 years of Mathematics (including 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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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
