Economics BAECON

Degree Awarded: BA in Economics (BAECON)
Minimum Required Credits: 120.0
Co-op Option: Three Co-op, Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 45.063
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3011

About the Program

Economics is a social science that examines how individuals make decisions based on incentives and how these decisions interact through markets and institutions to shape real-world outcomes such as wages, income, consumption and well-being. In the economics major, students are introduced to the methods, concepts, and theoretical models economists use to analyze these interactions and to evaluate their implications for individual behavior and societal well-being. The program provides a broad intellectual foundation for understanding economic systems and public issues in a changing global environment.

The BAECON degree program emphasizes the development and interpretation of economic theory through critical reasoning, discussion, and engagement with related social sciences. Students explore how economic models are used to analyze issues in areas such as public policy, industrial development, law, and human welfare, with attention to institutional and social context. An attractive feature of the program is its flexibility: through extensive free electives, students are able to shape the degree around their own academic interests, whether those interests lie in policy, interdisciplinary study, or preparation for professional or graduate education. BAECON students are well-equipped for a wide range of roles after graduation.

Instruction in the BAECON program commonly draws on both history and current events, including the effects of economic shocks, market disruptions, and policy changes. Writing-intensive assignments, individual projects, and presentations encourage students to pursue topics of interest in greater depth while developing the ability to communicate economic ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. These experiences strengthen analytical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills.

Drexel’s distinctive experiential education model provides structured opportunities for students to integrate academic study with professional experience. Through the cooperative (co-op) education program, students may participate in full-time work experiences aligned with interests such as policy analysis, research, or organizational decision-making. Experiential learning opportunities such as co-op placements reinforce classroom learning by allowing students to apply economic reasoning in corporate, nonprofit, and policy-oriented settings and can contribute to career opportunities after graduation.

Graduates of the BAECON program pursue a wide range of careers. Some examples include consulting, urban and industrial development, finance, and management, as well as positions in government and nonprofit organizations. Many continue on to graduate study in economics or related fields such as public policy and business, or to professional programs such as law. Through its emphasis on critical reasoning, experiential learning, and cooperative education, Drexel prepares BAECON students to succeed in a wide range of professional and academic paths.
 

Additional Information

For more information please contact the School of Economics

Admission Requirements

Same as Drexel admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

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A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.

Program Learning Outcomes