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Program Overview:
The BA in Economics provides a well-rounded foundation in economic theory, policy, and real-world problem solving, with a flexible mix of qualitative and quantitative coursework. Ideal for students aiming to enter business, law, public service, or prepare for graduate study, it balances rigorous analytical skills with broad real-world insights.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
You'll begin with essential courses like ECON 1101 Principles of Microeconomics and ECON 1102 Principles of Macroeconomics, alongside MATH 1142 (Short Calculus) or MATH 1271 (Calculus I). These classes introduce the language of economics—supply & demand, markets, national income, and the power of data in practice.
Year 2:
Building on your foundation, you’ll dive into intermediate theory and applied content: take comparative economic systems, game theory, or economic development, exploring how societies structure economies and make strategic decisions. You’ll refine analytical reasoning through courses like econometrics and industrial organization.
Year 3:
Now it's time for deeper exploration—choose upper‑level electives such as environmental economics, international trade, cost‑benefit analysis, or labor economics. These courses emphasize case studies, quantitative tools, and policy analysis. You’ll also start applying knowledge to real-world economic questions.
Year 4:
Finish strong with advanced electives and a capstone seminar (for example, ECON 485 Senior Seminar). If you're on track for a BA, you'll also complete the second-language requirement, preparing you for global careers or graduate work.
Focus areas: “Comparative systems, game theory, industrial organization, econometrics, environmental & international economics, cost-benefit analysis”
Learning outcomes: “Ability to model economic behavior, apply quantitative reasoning, analyze data, communicate economic ideas clearly”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Recognized by the College of Liberal Arts; foundational requirements in economics and calculus/mathematics ensure rigorous accreditation by the university’s academic standards .
Reputation (employability rankings):
UMN’s Economics program ranks in the top 10% nationally—#29 out of 407 schools overall, and #1 in Minnesota—according to College Factual
If you choose to study BA Economics at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, you’ll gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond just theory. The program emphasizes practical skills like data analysis, economic modeling, and real-world problem solving using advanced tools and collaborative projects. You’ll work with cutting-edge software and have access to top-tier research facilities that prepare you for careers in finance, government, policy analysis, and more.
Here’s how experiential learning shapes your journey in this program:
Advanced software training: You’ll use programs like Stata, R, and Python for data analysis and econometrics, which are critical skills in modern economic research and careers.
Collaborative group projects: Many courses include team assignments where you analyze economic data and present policy recommendations, simulating real workplace dynamics.
Internships and research opportunities: The university’s strong connections with local government, financial institutions, and think tanks offer chances to apply your skills in internships or research assistant roles.
Access to specialized facilities: The university provides access to the Social Science Data Lab, where you can work on data-intensive projects using university-provided computers and software.
Field-specific libraries and resources: The Wilson Library and the Carlson School’s Business Library offer vast collections of economic journals, data resources, and databases.
Faculty-led research and seminars: Engage with faculty members through research assistantships and attend seminars that bring the latest economic research and debates to campus.
Graduates with a BA in Economics from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities find themselves well-equipped for a wide range of roles in finance, policy analysis, consulting, and data analysis: typical career paths include economic analyst, financial advisor, policy consultant, and market researcher.
Here’s why the University of Minnesota sets you up for success:
The Carlson School of Management Career Center provides tailored internship and job placement support, including resume workshops and employer networking events.
Recent data shows that over 85% of Economics graduates secure employment within six months, with starting salaries averaging around $60,000.
Strong partnerships with regional economic development agencies and major corporations like Target and Cargill create real-world project opportunities and internships.
The economics program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), adding significant long-term value to your degree.
Graduates frequently pursue careers in government agencies, financial institutions, or continue their education in graduate economics or business programs.
Further Academic Progression:
You can advance your studies with graduate degrees such as a Master’s in Economics, MBA, or specialized fields like Public Policy or Data Science at top-tier universities, often supported by your undergraduate network and faculty recommendations.
Official high school transcript, Typical SAT range (1850-2110), ACT (27-32), Average GPA 3.61Economist – 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 Minnesota Twin Cities
