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Under Construction: An Upgraded Learning Center and a New Major
The Undergraduate Program is thrilled to announce the new Raphael Kiam Economics Learning Center! Every few weeks over the summer we would go downstairs to check on the progress of the renovation. The fresh paint and electrical upgrades, new ceiling, and sharp new carpet with orange and blue accents have really changed the feel of the space. New signage and furniture create a comfortable, inviting, and practical center for office hours and tutoring, primarily for undergraduate students. In this space, the economics department provides the opportunity to the thousands of students taking our courses to get assistance in all core and most advanced economics courses, calculus I and II, and many statistics courses. It also provides a convenient space for teaching assistants to hold office hours, making them less intimidating and more accessible to students. We held a grand opening later this semester once the renovation was complete. The Raphael Kiam Economics Learning Center represents an important investment in the success of our undergraduates, and we sincerely appreciate Mr. Kiam's commitment to the future success of our students.
The future success of our students will also rely on their data skills. Building on the deep connection between economics and data, we are pleased to introduce a new major in development: Economics + Data Science (BSLAS). This innovative program will be our fourth major, joining Economics (BALAS), Econometrics & Quantitative Economics (BSLAS), and Computer Science + Economics (BSLAS).
The demand for data expertise has never been greater. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36% growth in data science jobs from 2021 to 2031—far outpacing the 5% average across all occupations. With this program, students will gain powerful data science and computing skills while sharpening the analytical mindset of an economist. The result will be graduates prepared to thrive in high-impact careers across business and finance, healthcare, education, government, and beyond. This major is currently in development and we are hoping to begin accepting applications within the next one to two application cycles, depending on approval processes.
Economics at Illinois may be under construction, but student success always remains our foundation.
Jamie Thomas-Ward
Director of Undergraduate Studies