Bachelors Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Vanderbilt University

Program Overview

The Bachelors in Economics at Vanderbilt University offers a well-rounded program blending theoretical rigor with practical economic applications. It suits students who want a broad understanding of economics, preparing them for careers in business, finance, public policy, or graduate studies.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Core Principles & Quantitative Foundations
Students start by building a solid foundation with ECON 1010 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 1020 (Principles of Macroeconomics), paired with math courses like MATH 1300 (Calculus I) and STAT 2100 (Introduction to Statistics). This combination ensures readiness for more complex economic analysis.

Year 2: Intermediate Theory & Econometrics
The second year focuses on intermediate economic theory courses like ECON 3010 (Intermediate Microeconomics) and ECON 3020 (Intermediate Macroeconomics), alongside ECON 3610 (Introduction to Econometrics). This builds analytical skills and introduces empirical methods critical for economic research.

Year 3: Advanced Topics & Electives
Students explore specialized fields through electives such as ECON 3700 (Public Finance), ECON 3750 (Industrial Organization), or ECON 3850 (International Economics). The focus shifts to applying theory to policy and market analysis.

Year 4: Capstone & Research Opportunities
In their final year, students engage in a capstone seminar or independent research projects, integrating their learning and preparing for professional work or graduate programs. Electives allow for deeper study in areas of interest.


Focus Areas:
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Finance, Industrial Organization, International Economics, Behavioral Economics

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates gain strong theoretical knowledge, quantitative and empirical skills, and the ability to analyze economic issues and communicate solutions effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Vanderbilt’s Economics program is part of a highly respected liberal arts college, adhering to rigorous academic standards that support career and graduate school preparation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Vanderbilt Economics graduates are well-regarded and recruited by leading firms in finance, consulting, government, and academia due to their solid analytical foundation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Vanderbilt, the Economics program is designed to immerse you in practical, data-driven learning. You’ll gain strong analytical skills by working directly with sophisticated economic modeling software and engaging in collaborative projects that mimic real-world economic challenges. The department supports your growth through access to cutting-edge digital tools and connections to internships that prepare you for careers in policy, business, and research.

The Economics Department at Vanderbilt offers facilities like computer labs with software including Stata, MATLAB, and R, alongside resources for econometric analysis. Group projects and presentations are a core part of the curriculum, ensuring you develop both teamwork and communication skills. Vanderbilt’s Center for Economic Research and Policy (CERP) offers students opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects, helping you build valuable hands-on experience.

Here’s a snapshot of the experiential learning you’ll engage in:

  • Advanced Software Training: Use Stata, R, and MATLAB for data analysis and economic modeling.

  • Collaborative Group Work: Work on case studies and research projects that simulate real economic environments.

  • Research Opportunities: Participate in projects with the Center for Economic Research and Policy (CERP).

  • Internships: Vanderbilt’s career center facilitates placements in economics-related internships across government, finance, and consulting.

  • Digital Tools and Resources: Access to Vanderbilt’s libraries and online databases supports in-depth research.

  • Networking and Career Support: Regular events connecting students with alumni and professionals in economics fields.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Vanderbilt’s Economics program often embark on rewarding careers as economic analysts, financial consultants, policy advisors, or business strategists. The program equips students with critical thinking and data analysis skills, making them highly competitive for roles in finance, government, and consulting sectors.

Here’s how Vanderbilt supports your career growth:

  • Career Services: Vanderbilt’s Center for Student Professional Development provides tailored career coaching, internship placement, and networking events specific to economics students.

  • Employment Stats: Around 90% of economics graduates secure employment or graduate study opportunities within six months, with median starting salaries near $60,000.

  • University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with Nashville’s financial sector and government agencies offer internship pipelines and job placements.

  • Accreditation: The College of Arts and Science’s rigorous academic standards are well-regarded nationally and internationally.

  • Graduate Outcomes: Alumni hold positions in major consulting firms, government economic departments, and multinational corporations.

Further Academic Progression:
Students may advance to graduate programs such as Vanderbilt’s Master’s in Economics, MBA, or specialized policy programs, leveraging the university’s strong academic network and research centers.

Program Key Stats

$65,008 (Annual cost)
$ 50
Sept Intake : 1st Jan


11 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

3.6
37
87

1480
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategy
  • Investment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banks
  • Data 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 decisions
  • Actuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firms
  • Management Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performance
  • Financial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisions
  • Policy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agencies
  • Quantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisions
  • Certified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporations
  • Economic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizations
  • Marketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporations
  • Financial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategies
  • International Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World Bank
  • Federal 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 Governors
  • Entrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms

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