BSLAS in Economics + Data Science (ECON + DS)

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The Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts (BSLAS) in Economics + Data Science (ECON + DS) is the Department of Economics' newest major. In this program, you will learn foundational economics concepts and analysis coupled with data science applications. You will learn theories and analytical methods designed to discover complex economic relationships. This program will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and skills to manage and analyze large datasets to extract economic insights and develop policy and recommendations relevant to a variety of sectors including business and financial entities, government agencies, healthcare, and environmental organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Students will be able to effectively visualize, conceptualize, articulate, and solve complex problems or address problems that do not have a clear answer, with available information, through experimentation and observation, using data analytics, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, and calculus and statistical tools.

Critical Thinking

Students will be able to apply economic analysis to everyday problems helping them to understand events, evaluate specific policy proposals, compare arguments with different conclusions to a specific issue or problem, and assess the role played by assumptions in arguments that reach different conclusions to a specific economic or policy problem.

Quantitative Reasoning

Students will be able to apply empirical evidence to economic arguments. Specifically, they will obtain and/or collect relevant data, develop empirical evidence using appropriate statistical techniques, and interpret the results of such analyses. Students will learn to construct and utilize predictive models in order to analyze economic issues.

Specialized Knowledge & Practical Application

Students will be able to develop deeper analytical, critical, and quantitative skills in specialized areas by applying economic concepts to real world situations.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge, Diverse Issues, & Global Consciousness

Students will broaden their global and disciplinary knowledge, enhancing their understanding of the world around them both within economics and beyond.

Communication & Leadership

Students will be able to work as part of a team and lead others, ensuring that they are prepared to navigate diverse audiences and situations.
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Leading the Data Science Revolution

Unlock your potential at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where we are leading the data science revolution with our innovative X + DS degree program. By harnessing the power of data, we are shaping the future of technology, business, education and society. With a projected 36% growth in data science jobs this field is set to outpace average job growth. Join us and shape the future!

BSLAS in ECON+ DS Requirements

To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences (BSLAS) degree in economics + data science, students must complete 64-66 hours of required major and supporting coursework and the campus General Education Requirements.

Economics Core (30 hours)

  • ECON 102: Microeconomic Principles (3 hours)
  • ECON 103: Macroeconomic Principles (3 hours)
  • ECON 202: Economic Statistics I (3 hours)
  • ECON 203: Economic Statistics II (3 hours)
  • ECON 302: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3 hours)
  • ECON 304: Intermediate Econometrics (3 hours)
  • *Four ECON 400-level courses (12 hours)

*Note: Students must meet prerequisites

Data Science Core (21 hours)

  • STAT/CS/IS 107: Data Science Discovery (4 hours)
  • STAT 207: Data Science Exploration (4 hours)
  • CS 307: Modeling and Leaning in Data Science (4 hours)
  • CS 277: Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science (4 hours)
  • IS 467: Ethics and Policy for Data Science (3 hours)
  • IS 477: Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility (3 hours)

Research or Discovery Experience (3 hours)

One of the most important skills a student will gain in the ECON + DS degree will be the ability to work with data in the context of historical discipline. A minimum of 3 credit hours of research or discovery experience is required. This can be achieved through one or more of the options listed below.

  • Option 1 — ECON 397: DataLab Research
  • Option 2 — Study Abroad Program: Advanced ECON and DS courses

Mathematics Core (10-11 hours)

  • MATH 220: Calculus or MATH 221: Calculus I (4-5 hours)
  • MATH 231: Calculus II (3 hours)
  • MATH 227: Linear Algebra for Data Science (3 hours)

Declaring/Transferring

The requirements below must be completed and correctly reflected in your Degree Audit before you can transfer into the econometrics & quantitative economics major.

Please note, these requirements apply only to current U of I students seeking to declare the BSLAS in ECON + DS major. If you have questions about degree requirements, we encourage you to meet with an economics advisor.

Make an advising appointment

ECON +DS Major Declaration Requirements

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to transfer to ECON + DS, in addition to the following requirements:

CourseRequirement

ECON 102: Microeconomic Principles

ECON 103: Macroeconomic Principles

ECON 202: Economic Statistics I

ECON 203: Economic Statistics II

  • Grade of C+ or better in each course
  • At least one ECON course must be taken at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Approved substitutions may be used for Econ 202

MATH 220: Calculus I

MATH 221: Calculus I

  • Grade of C+ or better
  • AP/IB/Proficiency Credit accepted**
  • Transfer courses may be used

Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT)

For information about changing your major or completing an Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) into the College of LAS as an economics student, visit the LAS Declaring website.
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Departmental Distinction

Students who meet certain requirements may graduate with Department of Economics Distinction. Every semester we have a small number of students who graduate with this honor, and these students are noted in our May ceremony program and invited to our undergraduate awards and recognition banquet in the spring.

Learn more about the Economics Honors Program

Helpful Links
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Advising
Meet with an academic advisor to learn more about the major and complete a requirement worksheet
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Degree Audit
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Course Catalogue
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Apply Now
New to the U of I? Apply to the BSLAS in ECON + DS today!