B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Integrated Computer Science & Economics
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, situated in Whittier, California, offers a specialized Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Integrated Computer Science and Economics. This unique interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in both computational principles and economic theory, recognizing the increasingly close alignment between these two fields in today's data-driven world. The curriculum emphasizes the theoretical and practical connections between computer science and economics, preparing graduates for professional careers and advanced studies that leverage this powerful combination.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Integrated Computer Science and Economics program at Whittier College is officially STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of invaluable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Integrated Computer Science and Economics curriculum at Whittier College is meticulously structured. It includes a strong core of computer science courses, typically 20 credits, covering foundational topics like Computer Science I (COSC 120), Computer Science II (COSC 220), Data Structures and Algorithms (COSC 240), Operating Systems (COSC 310), Computer Organization and Architecture (COSC 320), and a Senior Project (COSC 499), along with one additional 300-level COSC course. Complementing this, 15 credits in required mathematics courses, including Calculus & Analytical Geometry I (MATH 141), Calculus & Analytical Geometry II (MATH 142), and Discrete Math (MATH 220), provide the necessary quantitative backbone. On the economics side, students complete 22 credits, covering Principles of Economics: Micro (ECON 200), Principles of Economics: Macro (ECON 201), Introduction to Quantitative Methods (ECON 205), Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 300), Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (ECON 301), and Introduction to Econometrics (ECON 305). This comprehensive curriculum ensures exposure to optimization, networking, and the analytical tools crucial for understanding economic phenomena through a computational lens.
Research Focus: Whittier College fosters a strong culture of undergraduate research, and the Integrated Computer Science and Economics program is no exception. Students are encouraged to engage in active inquiry and problem-solving. The economics department explicitly states that all economics majors complete a senior project involving "in-depth original research on a topic of their choosing," allowing students to apply learned skills and contribute to new knowledge. Given the integrated nature of the major, these senior projects often explore areas where computer science and economics intersect, such as computational economics, econometric modeling, or algorithm design for economic problems. Students also have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors and present their findings at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, which cultivates their research and presentation skills.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a crucial role in connecting Integrated Computer Science and Economics graduates with valuable professional opportunities. The "Whittier Works" initiative provides personalized coaching, career exploration, and preparation for both job searches and graduate school admissions. The College's advantageous location in Southern California provides access to a wide array of industries that increasingly seek professionals with skills at the intersection of computer science and economics, including finance, tech, consulting, data analytics, and economic research firms. The program's practical alignment with labor market demand for individuals with related skills ensures graduates are well-positioned for internships and entry-level positions that require both computational and economic acumen.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is committed to cultivating a global perspective among its students, and this is highly relevant for the Integrated Computer Science and Economics program. Economic issues and technological advancements are inherently global. The Office of International Programs, a national leader in diversity abroad, offers extensive study abroad opportunities across five continents. While the integrated curriculum requires careful planning, students in this major can explore programs that offer insights into global economic systems, international trade, or the impact of technology in different cultural and economic contexts. This global exposure enhances students' understanding of interconnected world systems and prepares them to navigate the complexities of a globalized economy and tech landscape.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's B.A. in Integrated Computer Science and Economics offers a powerful combination of analytical and computational skills highly relevant in today's data-driven economy. Graduates of this STEM-designated program are uniquely positioned to understand and leverage technology within economic and financial contexts, making them sought-after professionals in diverse industries.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): This is a prime career path, especially in finance. Quants use mathematical models, statistical methods, and programming skills to analyze financial markets, develop trading strategies, manage risk, and price complex financial products. The strong math, economics, and computer science background from Whittier is ideal for this role.
Data Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer (Economics Focus): Graduates can excel in roles that involve collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets to identify economic trends, predict market behavior, or optimize business strategies. Their economics background provides context, while computer science skills enable data manipulation and model building.
Financial Analyst: These professionals evaluate investment opportunities, analyze financial data, and provide recommendations to individuals or organizations. The blend of economic theory and computational tools from Whittier prepares them for rigorous financial modeling and analysis.
Business Intelligence (BI) Developer/Analyst: BI professionals use data to create dashboards, reports, and visualizations that help businesses make informed decisions. The economics background provides insight into business operations, while computer science skills are essential for data extraction and presentation.
Economic Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms, applying economic principles and quantitative methods to solve complex business problems, analyze market dynamics, or provide expert testimony in legal cases.
Software Engineer (Fintech/E-commerce): With their understanding of economic principles and user behavior, graduates can specialize in developing software for financial technology (Fintech) companies, e-commerce platforms, or other industries where economic models are integrated into software solutions.
Market Research Analyst: These analysts study market conditions to determine potential sales of a product or service. Their economics background helps them understand consumer behavior and market trends, while computer science skills assist in data collection and statistical analysis.
Operations Research Analyst: This role involves using advanced analytical methods, including computational modeling and optimization techniques, to help organizations make more efficient decisions and solve complex operational problems. The interdisciplinary nature of the major is a strong fit.
Policy Analyst (Economic or Tech Policy): Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits, analyzing the economic impact of public policies, or focusing on policies related to technology, competition, and innovation. The program's integration of economics and political science (through the broader ICS offerings) is beneficial here.
Actuary: For those with strong mathematical and statistical aptitude, a career as an actuary involves assessing financial risks for insurance or pension schemes. While specific actuarial science programs exist, the rigorous quantitative training in the Integrated Computer Science and Economics major provides an excellent foundation.
