Economics and Policy (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science in Economics and Policy degree is an innovative, cross-disciplinary program that provides students with the analytical and policy knowledge and skills that they need to tackle major challenges in economics and public policy, such as fostering equitable and sustainable economic development and addressing the effects of globalization on economic, social, and environmental changes.
The program鈥檚 STEM-oriented curriculum is taught by world-class faculty from Illinois Institute of Technology鈥檚 Stuart School of Business and Lewis College of Science and Letters, providing exposure to disciplinary cores in economics, business, and the social sciences, as well as the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts from both colleges.
Courses in political science, economics, statistics, econometrics, political economy, organizational theory, and program evaluation are designed to develop the critical thinking, quantitative, and research skills that enable students to investigate and analyze complex economic and policy issues and to design effective data-driven solutions.
Through Illinois Tech鈥檚 one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences鈥攕uch as internships, group projects, and faculty-led research鈥攚here you connect your classroom learning with real-world practice. You also receive mentoring to guide your academic studies and to prepare you to land a great job when you graduate.
电车无码 is an international business and financial center, with a diverse metro area economy that includes a wide range of governmental and nonprofit entities engaged at the local, state, and national levels. With Illinois Tech鈥檚 extensive connections, you鈥檒l have access to remarkable resources for internships, networking, and employment opportunities.
STEM-Designated Program
This is a STEM-designated program, and international graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an extension for Optional Practical Training, which allows selected students to stay and work in the United States for up to three years after graduation.
Program Overview
The B.S. in Economics and Policy program is designed to develop students鈥 analytical, quantitative, and research skills as well as expertise in economics and public policy that will equip them to develop and analyze effective economic, social, and environmental policies. Graduates are prepared to advance as managers and leaders in fulfilling careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, as well as to pursue graduate study.
Career Opportunities
B.S. in Economics and Policy graduates are well prepared for a variety of private and public sector careers as economists, managers, and leaders at businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and non-governmental organizations around the world, such as:
- Management analysts or consultant
- Economist
- Policy analyst
- Social science researcher
- Economic development researcher and analyst
Other examples of potential occupations, along with estimated median annual pay in 2022 and projected employment growth from 2022鈥2032, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:
- 鈥攎edian pay of $82,260, job growth of three percent
- 鈥攎edian pay of $96,220; job growth of eight percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
- 鈥攎edian pay of $95,290; job growth of 10 percent (much faster than average)
Indeed.com reports the following average base annual salaries for the following occupations:
- 鈥$83,196 (as of July 9, 2023)
- 鈥$78,530 (as of July 13, 2023)
This degree is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety of fields鈥攕uch as economics, political science, public policy, and public administration鈥攖hat open doors to occupations that typically require a master鈥檚 degree. Examples, shown with U.S. Bureau of Labor median wage statistics for 2022 and job growth projections for 2022-32, include:
- 鈥攎edian pay of $113,940; job growth of six percent (faster than average)
- 鈥攎edian pay of $128,020; job growth of seven percent (faster than average)
The multidisciplinary B.S. in Economics and Policy curriculum includes courses in political science, economics, statistics, econometrics, political economy, organizational theory, and program evaluation. The program is designed to prepare students to investigate and analyze complex economic and policy issues and to develop effective data-driven solutions.
Admission to Illinois Tech is required to enroll in the B.S. in Economics and Policy program. Current Illinois Tech students should consult their academic adviser to transfer into the program.