Quantitative Economics Major
Do more than observe society’s challenges—analyze them through the lens of mathematics, markets, and policy.
College of Arts & Sciences | On-Campus
Program Options
As a Quantitative Economics major, you’ll find that mathematics holds up a mirror to our world, illuminating the big picture and better business practices. Here’s how you’ll examine that relationship.
B.A. in Quantitative Economics
This route gives you a dual focus on mathematics and economics, with eight mathematics courses and four to five in economics plus a research-based capstone. At just 48.5 credits, the B.A. leaves plenty of room for additional studies: in turn, many students opt to add a second major or minor in areas like politics, international relations, or sustainability.
B.S.B.A. in Quantitative Economics
The B.S.B.A. combines all the material of the B.A. with the suite of courses comprising the business core. Through 84.5 credits, you’ll develop a broad understanding of the business environment to expand your career flexibility. To explore a related area, consider adding a minor or second major in finance, international business, or business law.
Meet the Faculty
Rise to the challenge of advanced math, analysis, and modeling with the support and guidance of award-winning teachers who equip you with the tools to apply theory in real-world contexts.
Sean Severe, PhD
Professor, Economics; Department Chair, Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Business Law
Outside the Classroom
Head straight into the pillars of our society—business, government, and community—to see how economic theories unfold. Opportunities like internships, clubs, research, and studying abroad let you apply the quantitative tools you’re learning and build job-relevant experience.
Internships
As a regional hub of business and government, Des Moines provides abundant internship options, with many Quantitative Economics students completing two by graduation.
Student Clubs
To accelerate your professional growth and build your network, join national organizations like the Econometric Society or any of the 14 business-related student organizations on campus.
Research
Set yourself apart in graduate school applications. You’ll demonstrate your abilities with a required capstone research paper and have additional opportunities to engage in faculty research or an independent study.
Awards
The Zimpleman College of Business cultivates an ethos of social responsibility. Reflecting that, the Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Impact recognizes the contributions of students who invest in the local community.
Scholarships
100% of full-time Drake undergraduate students receive scholarship support. You may be eligible for both merit- and need-based aid, including scholarships specifically for economics majors.
Study Abroad
From studying the European economy in Austria to interning with a multinational company in China, unique experiences in more than 70 countries equip you for a career in our globalized business climate.
Careers & Skills
Majoring in quantitative economics unlocks a broad range of possibilities.
The advanced quantitative and mathematical skills you’ll build are at the heart of many in-demand roles, from business analyst to data scientist. And your sophisticated knowledge of economics will come through in law, government, and business careers.
Whether you continue your studies in graduate school or enter the workforce, this dual perspective helps you stand out from the competition.
Employers
- Amazon
- Nationwide Insurance
- Principal Financial Group
- The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
- Wells Fargo
Skills
- Advanced mathematics
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Micro- and macroeconomic analysis
- Professional communications
- Quantitative research and data analytics
- Statistics
Salary & Growth Outlook
The average salary for market research analysts as of 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
Pair the study of economics with advanced mathematics to prepare for careers in business, law, public policy, and government with Drake’s Quantitative Economics Major.
