Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Economics is a STEM-designated online degree that aims to provide students with the skills to succeed in the growing fields of economics and finance, with additional supporting areas of math and computer science.

Program Description

This program is designed to teach students to think critically and analytically, making or recommending decisions, allocating resources, and solving complex issues. The curriculum focuses on helping students understand complex economic systems and make informed decisions about real-world challenges.

Entrance-to-Major Requirements

To change their major to economics, students must earn a C or better in the following courses:

• ECON 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
• ECON 104: Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Economics requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits.

Prescribed Courses

The following prescribed courses are required:

• ECON 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy (3 credits)
• ECON 104: Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy (3 credits)
• ECON 106: Statistical Foundations for Econometrics (3 credits)
• ECON 302: Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis (3 credits)
• ECON 304: Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis (3 credits)
• ECON 306: Introduction to Econometrics (3 credits)

Additional Courses

Students must select 7-8 credits from the following courses:

• CMPSC 101: Introduction to Programming (3 credits)
• CMPSC 203: Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases (4 credits)
• MATH 110: Techniques of Calculus I (4 credits)
• MATH 140: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4 credits)

Supporting Courses and Related Areas

Students must select 30 credits from the following areas:

• 18 credits in economics 300- or 400-level with department approval, including at least 9 credits at the 400 level
• 3 credits in Social and Behavioral Sciences
• 6 credits in Arts, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences
• 3 credits in Quantification

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

Course Availability

If students are ready to see when their courses will be offered, they can visit the public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.

Career Opportunities

The knowledge gained from this program can be used to pursue careers or graduate studies in a variety of fields, depending on the student's goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

• Market Analyst
• Economic Analyst
• Research Analyst

Employment Outlook

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change.

Career Services

From the day students are accepted as students, they can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further their career.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which students register and the number of total credits they have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Application Instructions

To apply for this program, students must be a high school graduate or have completed their GED.

Admissions Help

If students have questions about the admissions process, they can contact an admissions counselor.

Faculty

The program will give students the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts.

News

Penn State has been featured in U.S. News' 2025 'Best Online Programs' rankings.

We Are Penn State

This is the real Penn State, with the same caliber of academic quality that students associate with Penn State.