The BA in economics is offered by the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences while the Tippie College of Business offers a BBA in Economics. The BA balances economic theory, mathematical tools, and field applications, and graduates pursue advanced degrees or employment in government and industry. In comparison, the BBA in economics serves as a foundation for other business areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, business law, and management.

Studying Economics at Iowa

Student Responsibilities

Review the responsibilities required to become and remain eligible for the 2 Plus 2 Guaranteed Graduation Plan.

Student Responsibilities

Southwestern Community College checkpoints

For the BA

  • Complete the fourth level of a single world language as needed for Iowa's General Education Program.
  • Complete the following courses:
    • MAT 210 Calculus (may require a prerequisite course as suggested by math placement)
    • BUS 210 Business Statistics or MAT 156 Statistics
    • ECN 120 Principles of Macroeconomics
    • ECN 130 Principles of Microeconomics
  • Complete all requirements for the AA degree.
  • When transferring to Iowa, present a cumulative transfer grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 from all colleges attended.

For the BBA

  • Complete all requirements for the AA degree.
  • Complete four semesters of the same world language (fourth-level proficiency) or two semesters of two different world languages (second-level proficiency) as needed for Iowa’s General Education Program. The requirement may be fulfilled by the appropriate high school work.
  • Complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and no grade lower than a C:
    • MAT 210 Calculus I (may require a prerequisite course as suggested by math placement)
    • MAT 156 Statistics
    • ECN 130 Principles of Microeconomics
    • ACC 131 Principles of Accounting I
  • Complete the following core courses required to declare a major in the Tippie College of Business:
    • BCA 215 Computer Business Applications
    • ECN 120 Principles of Macroeconomics
    • ACC 132 Principles of Accounting II
  • Present at least a 2.75 cumulative transfer GPA in all college courses taken.
  • Apply to the University of Iowa indicating business as your major by the appropriate deadline.
  • The Tippie College of Business has a Selective Admission Process.

The following required courses can be taken at Southwestern Community College OR the University of Iowa:

  • BUS 185 Business Law I; MGT:2000 Introduction to Law at Iowa
  • MGT 101 Principles of Management; MGT:2100 Introduction to Management at Iowa
University of Iowa Checkpoints

For the BA

  • Complete the UI courses required for this major, as specified in the UI General Catalog.
  • Complete at least half of the remaining semester hours needed for your major and degree during each of your two years at Iowa. (A total of 32 semester hours is required for the economics major and 120 semester hours for the BA degree.)

For the BBA

  • Complete the UI courses required for this major, as specified on the College of Business website.
  • Complete at least half of the remaining semester hours needed for your major and degree during each of your two years at Iowa. Students must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours, with the following requirements:
    • At least 48 semester hours must be taken in business courses and at least 60 semester hours in non-business courses.
    • At least 30 semester hours must be taken at Iowa following admission to the Tippie College of Business.
    • A GPA of at least 2.00 must be earned on all college course work, all course work attempted at the University of Iowa, all business course work attempted, all business course work at the University of Iowa, all course work attempted in the major, and all course work attempted in the major at the University of Iowa.

A current schedule of UI courses is available online via Iowa Student Information Services (MyUI).