Computer Science and Economics

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The CS + Economics major brings the human and market perspective to technology.  Computer science teaches students how to build systems. Economics teaches them how those systems shape behavior, incentives, and society. Together, students gain unmatched technical depth and real-world insight that neither field alone can provide. They graduate ready to adapt in an AI-driven economy.

Students learn to ask meaningful questions and use data to uncover the true “why” behind outcomes through causal inference and economic analysis. They design fair and efficient digital marketplaces, from online platforms to auction systems. They use data and algorithms to improve policy decisions, labor markets, and urban planning. They analyze how incentives shape behavior in apps, platforms, and organizations. They build AI and data-driven tools while understanding their economic and social impact. This combination prepares graduates to tackle complex challenges that cannot be solved by technology alone. In a world shaped by AI and data-driven markets, that dual perspective sets you apart. Graduates enter careers in tech, finance, consulting, analytics, and policy. Many continue to graduate study in economics, computer science, data science, or business.

 

Computer Science & Economics Career Snaps

Unique Skills and Competencies

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Students develop a unique combination of economic, analytical, and technical skills, including:

  • Economic reasoning and analysis of individual, firm, and market behavior
  • Causal inference and evidence-based decision-making
  • Data analysis, statistics, and econometrics
  • Understanding incentives, strategic behavior, and market design
  • Quantitative modeling and problem-solving
  • Programming, algorithms, and computational thinking
  • Communicating data-driven insights to diverse audiences

Graduates learn not only how to build technology, but also how to understand its impact on people, markets, and society.

Industry Clusters

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This pathway helps students cast a wide net in the job market. It builds flexibility for careers not only of today, but also of the future. It creates economists who can code and computer scientists who understand people and markets.

It prepares students to lead at the intersection of technology and society. With a CS + ECON degree, students become complements to technology, not substitutes!

Potential Career Paths:

  • Economic Consulting & Market Research
  • Technology & Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science, Analytics & Business Intelligence
  • Public Policy, Government & International Organizations
  • Research Institutions & Think Tanks
  • Healthcare Analytics & Health Economics
  • Operations Research & Supply Chain Analytics
  • Management Consulting & Strategy
  • Product Management & Technology Innovation
  • Risk Management, Compliance & Regulatory Analytics
  • Finance, FinTech & Quantitative Analysis
  • E-Commerce, Digital Platforms & Marketplace Design
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Analytics
  • Graduate Study in Economics, Data Science, Public Policy, Computer Science, Business, and Related Fields

Check out resources and how to get involved further!

Visit the Economics Department for Info!

Visit the Computer Science Department for Info!