Best colleges for Economics and Computer Science
A program of study that focuses on the theoretical and practical connections between computer science and economics.
8 U.S. institutions graduated 149 Economics and Computer Science students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 30.3901, a specialization of Economics and Computer Science (CIP 30.39), and leads most directly to the Economists occupation (BLS SOC 19-3011).
About Economics and Computer Science programs
A program of study that focuses on the theoretical and practical connections between computer science and economics. Includes instruction in data analysis, database design, data mining, computer algorithms, economics, econometrics, computer programing, mathematics, and statistics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Economics and Computer Science program combines the theoretical and practical aspects of economics with computer science. This interdisciplinary field is designed for students interested in understanding the connections between these two domains, focusing on data analysis, algorithms, and economic principles. It is ideal for those who want to leverage technology to solve economic problems and analyze market trends.
Students in this program gain essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and data analysis, along with knowledge in economics, computer programming, and statistics. Coursework typically includes instruction in database design, econometrics, and computer algorithms, preparing graduates for various analytical roles.
Credentials awarded
What Economics and Computer Science graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree102 graduates / yr · 7 institutions69%
- Master's degree47 graduates / yr · 4 institutions32%
Graduates over time
Economics and Computer Science completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 113 |
| 2025 | 149 |
CIP 30.3901 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 8 institutions for Economics and Computer Science, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 50 | 96% | $11,666 |
| 2 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 35 | 89% | $21,956 |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 21 | 97% | $16,260 |
| 4 | Emory University Atlanta, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 91% | $20,586 |
| 5 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 94% | $14,126 |
| 6 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 6 | 78% | $36,004 |
| 7 | Youngstown State University Youngstown, OHPublicMaster's | 4 | 50% | — |
| 8 | Whittier College Whittier, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 60% | $28,683 |
Offered in 7 states
Where Economics and Computer Science graduates come from. Each state links to all Economics and Computer Science programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 2 | 85 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology50 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 21 | Duke University21 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 18 | Emory University18 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 12 | Washington University in St Louis12 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 6 | Drexel University6 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 4 | Youngstown State University4 / yr |
| California | 1 | 3 | Whittier College3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3011, Economists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Economics and Computer Science program can pursue careers as economists, data scientists, or software developers, among others. With an annual growth rate of 1.2% and approximately 900 job openings each year, the median wage for economists is $115,440, with a typical education requirement of a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 30.3901
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Economistsprimary SOC 19-3011 | $124,720 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~900 | Master's degree |
Software Developers SOC 15-1252 | $135,980 | +15.8% Much faster than average | ~115,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer and Information Systems Managers SOC 11-3021 | $175,140 | +15.2% Much faster than average | ~55,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Data Scientists SOC 15-2051 | $120,230 | +33.5% Much faster than average | ~23,400 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1021 | $96,980 | +5.3% Faster than average | ~3,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1063 | $123,920 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~1,200 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Economics and Computer Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
- Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
- Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
- Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
- Review documents written by others.
- Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Economics and Computer Science.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, data analysis, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as an economist, data scientist, or software developer, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with 900 annual openings and a median wage of $115,440 for economists.
What is the CIP code for Economics and Computer Science?+
Economics and Computer Science is CIP 30.3901 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Economics and Computer Science (CIP 30.39). NCES defines it as: A program of study that focuses on the theoretical and practical connections between computer science and economics. Includes instruction in data analysis, database design, data mining, computer algorithms, economics, econometrics, computer programing, mathematics, and statistics.
How many institutions offer Economics and Computer Science programs?+
8 U.S. institutions reported Economics and Computer Science graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 7 states, awarding 149 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Economics and Computer Science graduates.
How much do Economics and Computer Science graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Economists occupation, which Economics and Computer Science most directly leads to, pays a median of $124,720 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Economics and Computer Science graduates, so its figures match the Economics and Computer Science program page.
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