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’s STEM-oriented curriculum is taught by world-class faculty from Illinois Institute of Technology’s 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’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences—such as internships, group projects, and faculty-led research—where 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.

Chicago 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’s extensive connections, you’ll 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’ 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 2022–2032, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:

• Budget analyst—median pay of $82,260, job growth of three percent
• Financial analyst—median pay of $96,220; job growth of eight percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
• Management analyst—median 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:

• Economic analyst—$83,196 (as of July 9, 2023)
• Policy analyst—$78,530 (as of July 13, 2023)

This degree is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety of fields—such as economics, political science, public policy, and public administration—that open doors to occupations that typically require a master’s degree. Examples, shown with U.S. Bureau of Labor median wage statistics for 2022 and job growth projections for 2022-32, include:

• Economist—median pay of $113,940; job growth of six percent (faster than average)
• Political scientist—median pay of $128,020; job growth of seven percent (faster than average)