Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Data Science

Chair: Caroline Betts, Ph.D.

The Department of Economics is a dynamic environment that takes research beyond traditional boundaries, often collaborating with other disciplines. This includes the Economics & Data Science major which trains students to apply advanced data science techniques to the analysis and formulation of economic problems.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Students perform complex calculations, create models, interpret data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions. With additional courses in computation, programming language, and data science, this degree prepares students to bridge the divide between “Big Data” engineers and end users in a variety of industries. Careers that value these skills include economist, economic consultant, data scientist, market research analyst, management consultant, financial analyst, and policy analyst. Industries include research and consulting firms, businesses, government entities, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.

JOB OUTLOOK
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1 , between now and 2032 employment of economists is projected to grow by 6%, financial analysts is projected to grow by 8%, and market research analysts is projected to grow by 13% — all of which are faster than the average for U.S. occupations. Growth for actuaries is projected to grow by 23% and data scientists by 35%, both of which are much faster than average.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Undergraduates may enroll in supervised individual research courses. Faculty may hire undergraduates as research assistants. The Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory (LABEL) offers assistantships in Experimental Economics and Neuroeconomics. Economics is also home to the Center for Applied Financial Economics (CAFE), the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR), and the Institute for Economic Policy Research (IEPR).

Admissions are made by the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Students normally apply to the program in the spring of the freshman year.

Prospective USC students cannot apply directly to this major. Economics and Data Science majors are required to pair the program with another Bachelor of Arts degree within Dornsife. We recommend that prospective students interested in this major apply to the major they would like to combine with Economics and Data Science. After beginning their coursework at USC, they may meet with a Data Science advisor to discuss how they will use its concepts to explore data within their current major before officially adding the Economics and Data Science major.

All information contained here is summarized from the USC Catalogue and is considered non-official. For all rules, regulations, procedures, and outlines, please see the current academic year USC Catalogue. The USC Catalogue supersedes all other publications.

Current students follow degree requirements in effect for the academic year they began their studies at USC. If you are a current student, please refer to your STARS report or the appropriate USC Catalogue for your year. Students seeking to advance their catalogue year to follow updated curricula may contact their department advisor.

Published on February 23rd, 2026Last updated on February 27th, 2026