Enter OTP
A BA in Economics at UT Dallas equips you with a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and public policy—perfect for students keen on combining analytical thinking with real-world insight. You’ll explore everything from labor markets to government regulation while building a flexible skill set for diverse careers.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll lay the groundwork with essential courses like Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 2302) and Macroeconomics (ECON 2301), alongside introductory methods such as Research Design in the Social and Policy Sciences (EPPS 2301) and Methods of Quantitative Analysis (EPPS 2302). This year builds your economic vocabulary and analytical basics.
Year 2: Dive deeper with Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 3310) and Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 3311), plus applied quantitative methods. These courses sharpen your ability to break down complex economic systems and prepare you for advanced analysis.
Year 3: Begin exploring electives like Public Sector Economics (ECON 4320), Environmental Economics, or International Trade, depending on your interests. This is where your economic toolkit gets applied to real-world and policy issues.
Year 4: Choose from upper-division electives in areas such as Labor Economics, Health Economics, or Industrial Organization. You’ll finish the degree with a solid understanding of theory, practice, and the flexibility to tailor your path toward grad school or professional life.
Focus areas: Economic theory, quantitative methods, public policy, and optional concentrations in areas like environmental, international or business economics.
Learning outcomes: Develop analytical and statistical skills, understand economic institutions and policies, and apply theory to real-world issues.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The program aligns with best practices in economic education and is housed within UT Dallas’s Carnegie Tier-1 School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.
Reputation (employability rankings): Economics graduates at UTD are highly sought after—known for scoring top on the LSAT and joining executive ranks; the major is also valued for its strong ROI and earning potential.
Students in the Economics programs at UTD benefit from hands-on learning through access to specialized labs and research centers designed to deepen practical understanding. The university offers collaborative environments where students work closely with peers and faculty, enhancing problem-solving and analytical skills.
Some highlights include:
Economics Lab staffed by graduate students, providing help with analytics, problem sets, and review sessions.
Center and Laboratory for Behavioral Operations and Economics (CLBOE) offers a cutting-edge research lab where students explore human decision-making and economic behavior.
Internship programs integrated with coursework, giving you real-world professional experience.
Access to career development resources through the EPPS Student Career Hub.
A Business Economics concentration that sharpens skills tailored to global business markets.
Graduates of the BA Economics program at UTD step into careers where analytical skills and economic insight are highly valued. Typical roles include economic analyst, financial consultant, policy advisor, and market researcher. These positions offer strong growth potential and competitive salaries, setting a solid foundation for a rewarding career.
Here’s how UTD supports your career progression and employment:
Career Success Services provide tailored resume reviews, interview prep, and job search workshops specifically for Economics students.
UTD reports that approximately 85% of economics graduates secure employment or enroll in graduate school within six months, with an average starting salary around $60,000.
The university maintains strong partnerships with local and national companies, including firms in Dallas’s financial and tech sectors, facilitating internships and job placements.
The program benefits from accreditation by AACSB and other bodies, ensuring long-term value and recognition of your degree.
Graduates have gone on to work for organizations like Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA in Economics, students can pursue graduate degrees such as a Master’s in Economics, an MBA with an economics focus, or law school. UTD offers pathways to advanced study through its own graduate programs, and strong academic advising helps tailor your path to your goals.
Application Deadlines Regular Decision: June 1 Early Action: Not offeredSAT/ACT Policy Test-optional for Fall 2026 No superscore policy specified SAT/ACT codes: available via College Board/ACTEnglish Proficiency Required for non-native speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo accepted)Letters of Recommendation Not requiredEssays Common App personal essay onlyHigh School Coursework Prerequisites Texas Top 10% rule applies Strong preparation expected: advanced math, social science preferredEconomist – 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.
University of Texas Dallas
