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.

Student Responsibilities

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

Student Responsibilities

Iowa Central 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 165 Business Calculus (may require a prerequisite course as suggested by math placement)
    • MAT 156 Statistics (may require a prerequisite course as suggested by math placement)
    • 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 165 Business Calculus (may require a prerequisite course as suggested by math placement)
    • MAT 156 Statistics I
    • ECN 130 Principles of Microeconomics
    • ACC 142 Financial Accounting
  • Complete the following core courses required to declare a major in the Tippie College of Business:
    • CSC 110 Introduction to Computers
    • ECN 120 Principles of Macroeconomics
    • ACC 146 Managerial Accounting
  • 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 Iowa Central 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
  • MAT 158 Statistics II; 06E:071/ECON:2800 Statistics for Strategy Problems
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).