Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Economics and Policy at Illinois Institute of Technology is a STEM-designated program that combines economics, business, and social sciences to equip students with analytical and policy skills. Graduates are prepared for careers as economists, managers, and leaders in various sectors, including private businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in economics, political science, and public policy.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
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.
Careers:
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.
- Economist—median pay of $113,940; job growth of six percent (faster than average)
- Through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences—such as internships, group projects, and faculty-led research—where they connect their classroom learning with real-world practice. Students also receive mentoring to guide their academic studies and to prepare them to land a great job when they 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, students will have access to remarkable resources for internships, networking, and employment opportunities.
