International students can study the Economics at The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the Columbus campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Economics

Study how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and how the market mediates those decisions across a wide range of domains. Learn how to develop theories, gather data and make predictions about the economy.

Economics

Degree: BS, BA

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

Economics answers questions regarding why new companies start up, the causes of high unemployment and what determines interest rates. But economics is far broader. In addition to studying inequality and exchange rates, economists study underground and illegal markets, why people decide to get married and have children, and the economics of sports. Broadly defined, economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and how the market mediates those decisions across a wide range of domains.

Economists develop theories to explain how the components of the economy such as individual people, companies and the government operate and interact with one another. They gather data to estimate the relationships among the various aspects of the economy. Based on these analyses, economists predict how people and companies will respond to changes in policies and external forces. These predictions, in turn, help guide private and public decision makers to form appropriate policies.

Get started

Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in economics within the College of Arts and Sciences. The flexibility of the economics program in the College of Arts and Sciences helps keep options open for students still deciding on a career path while developing strong statistical and writing skills.

Curriculum

The Department of Economics offers a major in economics leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). The BA is less quantitative and is broader in scope, allowing students to combine interests in other areas of study. The BS program has a stronger quantitative component that prepares students for graduate work in economics and careers in analytical areas of government and business. Both degrees provide an excellent base for graduate work in any of the social sciences or in professional programs such as law or Master of Business Administration.

Students completing either the BA or BS degree are required to take Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, one economics writing course, and 15 credit hours of economics elective courses, including six credit hours at the 5000 level. Students in both degree tracks take courses in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, although the BS courses are calculus-based and require a Calculus II or equivalent prerequisite. BA students complete one course of elementary econometrics (for which Statistics 1450 or Economics 3400 is a prerequisite) and Math 1130, 1148 or the equivalent. BS students complete a two-course econometric sequence (Econ 5410 and 5420) for which Statistics 2450 is a prerequisite. Students completing the BS are required to maintain a 2.25 GPA overall and in the major.

Study abroad

The Other Side of the Border: Immgiration Economics is a three-credit spring semester course in which students learn about the opportunity cost for immigrants, the effects of the flow of money, and the loss of labor and human capital on economic growth. Participants meet on campus once a week during spring semester and then travel to Tijuana, Mexico, over spring break. Tijuana is a city of immigrants from all over Mexico and other parts of Latin America, and students will have many opportunities to view immigration issues from various perspectives and apply economic principles they learned in the classroom. Students will help build houses, hear the stories of people in transition, and gain a better understanding of economic choices being faced by individuals, households, communities and nations.

Internship

Students can participate in a variety of internships in the private sector, state agencies and federal organizations. In previous years, students have interned with companies such as Progressive Insurance and the Los Angeles Angels. The economics department and Ohio State alumni help students also make connections with prospective employers in order to strengthen job placement and build a network of friends who support undergraduate education and training.

Honors and Scholars

Honors students within the Department of Economics receive instruction from faculty members in six different Honors courses. Almost all Honors students take the BS degree. Students from the Honors Program are well prepared for careers in law, economics and business. Honors students also have been university nominees for the Rhodes, Marshall, Gates, Carnegie Endowment for Peace and Truman scholarship competitions.

Research

Economics students have many opportunities to assist faculty with research. Many of the faculty hire undergraduate students to work on research projects by assisting with data collection, information processing or data analysis. Working with renowned faculty provides a great experience for undergraduate students to see economics in practice. Students also are able to develop one-on-one relationships with faculty members, which can prove especially beneficial when it is time to apply for that first job or to graduate school.

The Department of Economics faculty includes some of the worldâ€™s leading researchers in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic history and experimental economics.

Student organizations

The Undergraduate Economics Society (UES) is a student organization run by economics majors and advised by a faculty member. The UES provides students with a weekly forum to discuss current economic policy topics and to hear presentations on faculty member research. Representatives of business and government provide students with an important perspective on the role of economic thinking and policy. Students also have the chance to network and make connections in UES for internships and future job opportunities. Representatives from government and the private sector regularly make special visits to campus to recruit economics majors.

Possible careers

Economic analysis is used routinely in business decision making, as a policy-making tool in government, and in legal analysis involving business practices and personal injury cases.

Students have career opportunities in business, government, finance, consulting and education. For example, graduates are employed in banking as loan officers, account officers, credit investigators and trust services. Economics majors also work in the insurance industry as agents, underwriters, claims adjusters and brokers. Training in the field also leads to employment in industry as managers, buyers, economic analysts and consultants. Economics graduates work in the securities field as brokers, researchers and managers. The government sector offers careers in tax, budget and policy analysis as well as legislative support. The economics degree also can lead to teaching positions in the social sciences.

The undergraduate degree in economics provides an excellent base for graduate work in any of the social sciences. It also is excellent preparation for work in professional schools such as law and business administration. Generally, employment as a professional or academic economist requires an advanced degree.

Salary estimates

The mean starting income for students with a bachelor's degree in economics is $61,038 according to a 2018 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage for economists in 2017 at $102,490.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Economics at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Economics at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Economics at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.