BA Economics at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

Economics answers questions regarding why new companies start up, the causes of high unemployment and what determines interest rates. But economics is far broader. In addition to studying inequality and exchange rates, economists study underground and illegal markets, why people decide to get married and have children, and the economics of sports. Broadly defined, economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and how the market mediates those decisions across a wide range of domains.

Faculty: Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

The Department of Economics offers a major in economics leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). The BA is less quantitative and is broader in scope, allowing students to combine interests in other areas of study. The BS program has a stronger quantitative component that prepares students for graduate work in economics and careers in analytical areas of government and business. Both degrees provide an excellent base for graduate work in any of the social sciences or in professional programs such as law or Master of Business Administration.

Career pathways

Economic analysis is used routinely in business decision making, as a policy-making tool in government, and in legal analysis involving business practices and personal injury cases. Students have career opportunities in business, government, finance, consulting and education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the university (and the Arts and Sciences college where applicable) applies; no separate programme-specific requirement published. Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in economics within the College of Arts and Sciences. The flexibility of the economics program in the College of Arts and Sciences helps keep options open for students still deciding on a career path while developing strong statistical and writing skills.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,921 a year (2026-27). Columbus campus on-campus Instructional Fee (tuition) for students beginning Autumn 2026: $6,460.50 per semester at 12-18 credit hours, shown as two semesters (Autumn and Spring). The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee fixes this rate for four years for Ohio re Source

Entry terms for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus: Autumn 2027 and Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026). Summer first-year applications are not accepted.

Transfer applicants can start in Spring, Summer or Autumn 2027.

First-year, Columbus campus, Autumn 2027: early action (non-binding) deadline November 1, 2026; regular decision deadline January 15, 2027; financial aid priority date February 1; acceptance fee deadline May 1, 2027. Early action decisions: December 11 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) and January 22 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants); regular decision decisions March 5.

First-year applicants apply with the Common Application. ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year Columbus applicants (superscored; sent directly by the testing agency); applicants out of high school two or more years are not required to submit scores. The essay is not required.

Transfer applicants (Columbus campus): Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027; Summer 2027 deadline May 15, 2027. Regional campuses: December 1, 2026, April 15, 2027 and July 15, 2027 respectively.

International transfer applicants: Spring 2027 deadline October 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply

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