Economics and Computer Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Combining the analytical rigor of economics with the technical power of computer science, this interdisciplinary program equips students to solve complex real-world problems at the intersection of data, systems, and decision-making. Graduates emerge with a robust foundation in quantitative reasoning, computational modeling, and economic theory, prepared for advanced roles in technology, finance, policy, and research.
- Data Analysis: Techniques for interpreting large datasets to extract actionable insights, supporting evidence-based decision-making across industries.
- Database Design: Principles for structuring and managing data efficiently, ensuring integrity, scalability, and performance in information systems.
- Data Mining: Methods for discovering patterns and relationships within vast datasets using statistical and machine learning approaches.
- Computer Algorithms: Study of efficient problem-solving procedures and computational processes that form the backbone of software development and system optimization.
- Economics: Core theories of microeconomic and macroeconomic behavior, market dynamics, resource allocation, and policy impact.
- Econometrics: Application of statistical methods to economic data, enabling hypothesis testing, forecasting, and causal inference in real-world scenarios.
- Computer Programming: Hands-on development of software solutions using multiple programming languages and paradigms, emphasizing logic, structure, and implementation.
- Mathematics: Advanced mathematical foundations including calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics essential for modeling complex systems.
- Statistics: Tools and techniques for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and inference, critical for validating models and measuring uncertainty.
Economics and Computer Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Economics and Computer Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Economics and Computer Science degrees, including Computer and Information Systems Managers, Managers, All Other and Software Developers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,229,370 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021 | $171,200 | $104,450 - $239,200 | 645,970 | $82.31 |
Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1063 | $119,980 | $57,550 - $217,160 | 12,420 | N/A |
Economists 19-3011 | $115,440 | $62,340 - $212,710 | 15,880 | $55.50 |
Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
Economics and Computer Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $88,438 in Mississippi to $151,569 in California—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,229,370 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Economics and Computer Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Economics and Computer Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Economics and Computer Science is found at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (68 graduates), Duke University (21 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (15 graduates), Emory University (7 graduates), and Drexel University (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 128 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
68 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
Duke University |
Master's
|
21 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
Drexel University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
Whittier College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Whittier, California | Private | whittier.edu |
Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Master's
|
4 | Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Economics and Computer Science programs
How much can I earn with a Economics and Computer Science degree?
Salaries for Economics and Computer Science graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median of $171,200 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $151,569 compared to $88,438 in Mississippi. Approximately 3,229,370 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Economics and Computer Science programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Economics and Computer Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (68 graduates), Duke University (21 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (15 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Economics and Computer Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Managers, All Other, and Software Developers. Related occupations employ approximately 3,229,370 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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