As data continues to shape the world around us, employers across industries are looking for graduates who can use analytical methods to discover complex relationships. Which is why the Department of Economics has launched a new undergraduate major: economics + data science.
Incoming students can enroll in this innovative program in Fall 2027. The program is part of the x + data science initiative at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign which allows students to pair the study of data science with coursework in another discipline.
This innovative degree program will equip students with the knowledge, tools, and skills to manage and analyze large datasets to extract economic insights and develop recommendations relevant to a variety of sectors including business and financial entities, government agencies, healthcare, and environmental organizations.
“Data and economics go hand in hand,” said director for undergraduate studies Jamie Thomas-Ward. “This new program will equip our students with the skills to analyze complex data and answer important economic questions, preparing Illini for careers in a data-driven world.”
The program will expand career opportunities for graduates, preparing them for careers across a variety of sectors including finance/banking, healthcare, public policy, government, and beyond.